Have you ever been a victim of identity theft?
It is the worst thing that can ever happen to any person since it always leaves you at point zero - all information gone, money lost and everything in total disarray.
Two months ago, I received an anonymous call from a lady called Miss Kemunto informing me of my big win in a competition I had never heard of.
Even though I was suspicious, I decided to play along hoping to corner her at some point or just hang up when she asked for sensitive information.
Her voice was so appealing that every time I wanted to hang up, something kept me going.
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She asked about how often I use my M-PESA account, the last amount I withdrew and deposited, my balance - before going ahead to insist that I press a few keys on my phone.
Since she did not ask for my ID number or M-PESA PIN, I unsuspectedly followed all her instructions and gave her all the other details.
She then told me to present myself at some building in town so that I can pick up my “huge bounty”. I laughed it off, happy to have played along in her silly little game.
A few hours later, I visited an M-PESA shop and could not access my account because my PIN had been changed and all my money withdrawn.
I had been played - without a doubt. Clearly, I’m not alone as many other people have also reported such instances of identity theft.
[caption caption="File image of a person using their phone"]
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It is this concern that leading telecommunication provider Safaricom recently launched a platform that will bring to end cases of identity theft where subscribers use voice
biometrics to identify themselves - Jitambulishe.
Using the voice biometrics, a user will not require PINs and passwords. It will just be you and your voice and the best thing about it is that no one can replicate your voice.
When using Jitambulishe, you can access customer services such as M-PESA PIN queries, Sim swap, and PUK.
You don’t have to wait until you are a victim of identity theft for you to take action, just dial 100 and join the safe team.
