WHAT will happen if my identity document or passport gets stolen?
Vuyani got back from a trip to Tanzania and took a taxi home from the airport.
After getting out of the taxi, he realised that the bag with his identity document (ID) and passport was gone!
Azikhiphi!
Worried that his identity might get stolen, Vuyani needed legal advice. A friend once told him about Scorpion Legal Protection’s monthly live Q&A sessions and encouraged him to ask them for advice. He commented on Facebook during a Q&A session to get help.
What does the law say?
If your ID or passport gets lost or stolen, you should file a report at your local police station as soon as possible. You can apply for a new ID or passport at the Department of Home Affairs if you are a South African citizen or at your embassy if you are a non-South African.
What documents would Vuyani need to apply?
To apply for a new ID or passport, you should submit the following documents:
) Fill in an ID or passport application form.
) Your original ID and a copy thereof.) A loss of ID or passport report and proof that you reported it missing to the police.
) Two colour passport photos.
) Payment for issuing a new ID or passport.
Steps to prevent identity theft if your passport is stolen:
) Report the matter immediately to the police.
) Give the police as much information as possible.
) Sign an affidavit.
) Ask police to list any fraudulent accounts on the report.
) Get a copy of the report (credit card companies may need this).
) Keep the name and phone number of the officer for verification.
) Get a case number.
How do I prevent further fraudulent activities against my name?
) Report the matter to the Information Regulator.
) Contact the credit bureaus.
) Make sure you have not been blacklisted.
) Subscribe to a credit alert service provided by TransUnion, Experian or Compuscan.
The way forward
With the advice Vuyani got from Scorpion, he knows that he can apply for a new ID or passport and must report his stolen documents to the cops. Scorpion Legal Protection can help policyholders with similar queries.
You can strike back legally too!
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