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Identity Theft Prevention in Zimbabwe: A Cry for Action Against Modern-Day Criminals

A chilling crime alert has gone viral on social media, warning citizens that identity theft is real and can lead to innocent individuals being arrested for crimes they did not commit. Engineer Jacob Kudzayi Mutisi, Chair of the ICT division of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers, has sounded the alarm bell, urging service providers, including banks, mobile money operators, insurance companies, and government agencies, to take immediate action to protect citizens’ identities.

The Reality of Identity Theft in Zimbabwe

According to Cyber research, mobile money scams are the number one crime in Zimbabwe, with Ecocash being the most affected. Identity theft is a type of fraud that involves using someone else’s identity to steal money or gain other benefits. Criminals use stolen identities to scam victims, leaving them vulnerable and often facing serious legal consequences.

The Modus Operandi of Criminals

In recent years, thousands of individuals have had their identities compromised, leading to innocent people being arrested for crimes they did not commit. The modus operandi of criminals is to reproduce a plastic National Identity (ID), using information obtained from unsuspecting victims who have large sums in their mobile money accounts or are receiving cash.

How Criminals Operate

Criminals then pose as the victim, reporting their phone lost or stolen and requesting a SIM card replacement. Once the new SIM card is issued, the criminal gains full access to the mobile money account, while the actual owner is blocked from accessing their account.

Preventing Identity Theft: The Role of Biometric Facial Recognition Technology

To prevent such fraud, Engineer Mutisi is advocating for the adoption of biometric facial recognition technology by mobile money companies. This system uses unique physical features and behaviors to serve as digital identifiers that computers and software can interpret and utilize for identity-related applications.

Benefits of Biometric Facial Recognition Technology

The use of biometrics would enable mobile money service providers to have a central database of all registered clients, preventing fraud and protecting vulnerable consumers. Zimbabwe’s mobile money operators are urged to take immediate action to implement this technology, ensuring the safety and security of their customers’ identities.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Identity

As citizens of Zimbabwe, it is essential to remember that there are laws in place to protect your identity, including the Data Protection Act. Service providers have a duty to protect your identity and verify your information. If you suspect fraudulent activity or become a victim of identity theft, you can take legal action against your service provider for negligence.

Contact Engineer Mutisi

Engineer Mutisi, a practising engineer with Engineering Council of Zimbabwe (ECZ) and Chair of the ICT division of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers (ZIE), is available to provide further advice and guidance. His contact details are 0772278161 or email protected.