South Africans are being urged to switch to smart IDs to avoid falling victim to identity theft. This call follows the revelation that South Africa's green ID book is the most defrauded in Africa and identity theft costs the country millions.
The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) Roy Ratief believes that the ease with which documents like the green ID book can be fraudulently altered has contributed to it being the most defrauded document in the country.
The ease at which these documents can be fraudulently altered, for example, photographs changed and copies made of it.
Ratief explains that the new Smart ID cards have more security features which make them more difficult to alter.
"The new ID card has certainly got more security features built in which then makes it more difficult for the fraudsters to manipulate these and create false documents or fraudulently alter existing documents."
Ratief says while they can’t conclusively say the Smart ID is 100% safe, they are more difficult to fraudulently alter.
From our perspective as SAFPS, the statistics we are seeing, personal identity fraud is typically coming through where a physical ID is used, its the green one that is being used.
How To Tell If Your Identity Has Been Stolen
Ratief explains that the National Credit Act allows South Africans to get a free credit report from a credit bureau every year. This allows individuals to see if any parties had done credit inquiries on their identity document
This is a good tell tale to see if someone is trying to use your identity fraudulently.
What is a Smart ID?
Introduced by the Department of Home Affairs in 2013, the Smart ID is a biometric identification card for South African citizens. It replaces the old green barcoded ID book, offering enhanced security with a microchip that stores personal and biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph.
Advantages of the Smart ID Card
- Security: More secure and difficult to forge due to its biometric technology.
- Durability: The size of a credit card, it is more durable and convenient to carry.
- Validity: Valid for ten years.
- Cost: Free for first-time applicants; renewals and re-issues may incur a fee.
How to Apply for a Smart ID Card Online
- Register: Visit the e-Home Affairs website to register. Provide personal details, create a password, and answer security questions.
- Confirm OTP: Enter the OTP sent to your mobile to confirm your number.
- Login: Use the second OTP received to log in to your profile.
- Complete Application: Fill out the application form for the Smart ID card.
- Upload Documents: Upload the necessary supporting documents.
- Payment: Pay online or choose to pay at a bank branch (R140 fee).
- Schedule Appointment: Book an appointment at a Home Affairs-enabled bank branch or Home Affairs office. Remember to bring your barcoded confirmation letter and ID book (if available) to your appointment.
- Print Confirmation: Print your confirmation letter if visiting a bank branch.
- Attend Appointment: Visit the bank branch or Home Affairs office on the day of your appointment to capture your biometrics.
- Collect ID: You will receive an SMS when your new ID card is ready for collection.
Eligibility
Citizens and permanent residents born outside South Africa are not eligible for a Smart ID card.
First-Time ID Application Online
Applying for your first ID online should be straightforward. However, any issues could affect your perception of the Home Affairs' online application process.
Additional Services Provided by Home Affairs
The Department of Home Affairs offers various services, including issuing identity documents, and residence permits, and assisting with visa applications, immigration processes, and passport applications. They also manage birth/death registrations, marriage certifications, and changes or corrections in ID documents. Additionally, they combat illegal immigration and ensure consistency in immigration assessments.
