The launch of an aggressive campaign to eradicate cellphone fraud by cellular network operator MTN has resulted in two arrests in the last week.
It is no secret that cellular fraud in South Africa is on the increase. MTN receives fraudulent applications for cellular contracts on a daily basis, which has allowed the company to quickly identify fraudulent submissions. This, combined with the installation of high-tech systems and a vigilant team, will allow MTN to effectively clamp down hard on cellphone fraud.
The black market for stolen cellphones, and their parts, is worth over R170 million per year. While the SIM-card is rendered worthless, a single part is sold for anything between R300 and R900. JT Van der Westhuizen, MTN`s consumer risk manager comments: "Our team is entirely focused on catching the offenders. We have made many arrests this year, and will continue to fight for the eradication of cellphone fraud."
A number of offenders arrested by MTN had previous criminal records. The company also said that although the profile of offenders is traditionally male, more women were starting to become involved in cellphone fraud. "It is a ploy to divert our attention but it has not worked," claims Van der Westhuizen. The company arrested one of these women last week.
Although the company has been massively proactive in apprehending these offenders, it must rely on Government`s assistance in ensuring that these fraudsters are adequately punished. "We arrested a man for submitting fraudulent information a while ago, he was released on bail and caught again - for the same crime - that very day, only to be released again. Surely the justice system could do more to keep them in jail?" asks Van der Westhuizen.
Although false identification has become more sophisticated over the last few years, Van der Westhuizen`s team seems to be able to quickly identify fabricated documents. "Our team has developed a trained eye for the unusual and, together with the appropriate authorities, are able to act swiftly if anyone is under suspicion," says Van der Westhuizen.
Two types of cellphone crime exist: one is the submission of fraudulent submissions and the other is handset theft. Although over 4 000 cellphones get blacklisted each month, it only accounts for 10% of the total number of cellphones stolen. "This figure indicates just how many cellphones get stolen every month. Our job is to ensure that these figures are reduced, we do this by catching fraudsters and continuously urging our subscribers to blacklist their cellphones once stolen," concludes Van der Westhuizen.
Tips on how to prevent cellphone theft:
Never leave your cellphone in the car where people can see it.
Never leave your cellphone on the passenger seat while you are driving. Criminals frequently break the passenger window to steal items.
Ladies, never keep your cellphone in your handbag with your ID document. With proof of ID, a thief is able to deal with your service provider.
Never leave your cellphone unattended.
Beware of pickpockets when you are in a crowd.
Be conscious of your cellphone at all times. Clip the instrument firmly onto your belt or keep it out of sight.
Try not to use your cellphone in a high-risk area.
Insure your handset. Handsets are sold at highly subsidised prices. However, if it is stolen, you will have to replace it at the full retail price. A cellular phone is worth between R1 500 and R2 500.
Always change your PIN code from the default 00000. Use a number, which is unique to you, and do not write this number onto the SIM-card or keep it with the handset where potential thieves could find it.
Write down the IMEI (electronic serial number) and keep it in a safe place. You can retrieve your IMEI number by dialing. If your cellphone is stolen, your Service Provider will need this number to suspend the phone. 11. In the event of theft, suspend your SIM-card by calling MTN`s customer service hotline at 0800 111 007. The next step is to report it to the SAPS and ask your service provider to blacklist the phone. Blacklisting the handset will prevent anyone from using it and assist your Service Provider in tracing the phone.
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