Identity theft in SA: Here’s what the youth thinks [Video]

Identity theft is on the rise in South Africa. According to the latest crime statistics by the South African Police Services (Saps), fraud cases increased from 2 8545 in 2022 to 33 475 cases by December 2023 -marking a 17.3% increase.

Saps noted the spike in the 2022/2023 third-quarter crime statistics in February this year.

The 2024 Digital Identity Fraud in Africa Report said fraud in South Africa has a mammoth impact on the region, representing almost 85% of the total fraud. South Africa’s developed digital ecosystem poses multiple opportunities for fraudsters to exploit.

According to a statement, government said it is taking action against fraud involving identity books and cards as identity theft cases continue to increase in the country.

On Tuesday, The Citizenasked locals about the risks of identity theft in the country and the measures they take to …