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Tom Muleya Fraud Insight
In the previous article we looked at three types of frauds involving pension funds mainly internal fraud, identity fraud, and cyber-fraud.
We also looked at the challenge of pension fraud from a global, African, and Zimbabwean context and how it impacts on the economy and life of pensioners and pension beneficiaries. In this article, we shall particularly explore “pension identity fraud” by looking at a Biblical case study.
Pension identity fraud is a very old criminology concept and has been in existence since ancient times. In the very first book of the Bible, in Genesis 27, there is an interesting scenario involving stealing of birthright blessings through identity fraud or identity theft which occurred within the precincts of a family. It is a story of Isaac, the father (Pension Schemes Administrators), Rebekah, the mother (master minder), Jacob, the younger twin brother (imposter/identity fraudster), and Esau, the twin elder brother (victim of identity fraud). The 21st century identity scammers slightly differ from ancient scammers in that they take advantage of technology to manipulate their targeted victims.
There are stages involved in the commission of identity fraud. The first stage is the ‘information stage’. Verse 5 says, “And Rebekah spoke unto Jacob her son, saying, Behold I heard your father speak unto Esau your brother, saying…” This means that identity fraudsters needs to first have some information about their victim, and the information in this case must relate to the victim’s pension funds.
The second stage is the “information manipulation and concealment stage” as shown by verse 8 through to verse 17. Jacob the scammer clearly admits the fact that he looked different from Esau, for he was smooth and Esau was hairy and unless he disguised himself Job would detect the deception. So he had to make himself hairy to look like Esau. When it comes to identity fraud, the scammer needs to look more or exactly like their victim otherwise the transaction would not go through. The perpetrator’s identity in terms of documents should match the identity of the victim.
The final stage is the presentation and payment stage. In verse 19-29, Jacob approached his father and presented himself as Esau and that he had done as instructed and was ready to be blessed. After Jacob was satisfied that it was Esau, he rose up to release a blessing upon him because he did not detect the deception.
In pension identity fraud, the imposter presents himself or herself as the rightful pension beneficiary and submits for processing fraudulent documents. Many cases of identity fraud are difficult to detect as the imposter would meet all the requirements to have the claim processed. In our case study, the fraud was only discovered after imposter had already benefited or paid.
In order to prevent pension identity fraud or minimize chances of falling victim to identity fraud, a pensioner or pension beneficiary may among many other ways do the following;
Think pension security by being conscious that you are not immune from being a fraud victim and that your benefits might be at risk. Do everything within your power to provide water tight security around your personal information.
Keep your National Social Security number secure and a secret.
Keep any other identity particulars such as credit card, ID number, and NSSA life certificate secure.
Keep information about your pension funds or benefits a secret as wrongful disclosure may lead to impersonation.
If your personal information or data about your pension schemes is stored in the computer, ensure to prevent unauthorized access, use strong password, and encrypt your data.
Regularly change your Bank account PIN. If you know that the security of your bank card was once compromised swiftly change your PIN.
Get empowered by Fraud Insight and be part of a solution to fraud scams. Watch out for the next issue on Identity theft that will look at and provide various possible measures that one can take to protect self from Identity theft scams.
For your feedback, WhatsApp line: 0772 764 043, or e-mail: [email protected]. Tom Muleya is a Detective Assistant Inspector working under the Criminal Investigations Department in Harare.
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