Can existing IC verification methods stop identity fraud?

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Existing IC Verification Methods May Not Be Sufficient to Prevent Identity Fraud

Recent experiences suggest that current identity card (IC) verification methods used by telecommunications companies may not be robust enough to prevent identity fraud. Individuals have reported instances where their IC details were allegedly used to register services without their knowledge, leading to demands for payment and potential credit reporting issues. This raises significant questions about the adequacy of existing safeguards and the processes telecommunications providers employ.
Unsolicited Demands and Credit Reporting Concerns

For several months, an individual received persistent calls and WhatsApp messages demanding payment for an outstanding mobile phone bill, despite not being a Maxis user since 2012. The callers refused to provide specific details of the alleged account, only referencing the individual's current Celcom postpaid number. The situation escalated when the individual was warned of being "disenaraikan hitam di CTOS" (blacklisted under CTOS) if the outstanding amount was not settled, highlighting a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of how credit reporting agencies like CTOS function.
Confirmation of Account Misuse and Broader Patterns

Upon visiting a Maxis Centre, it was confirmed that an account was indeed registered under the individual's identification card. This discovery prompted further investigation, including lodging a police report, which is a prerequisite for Maxis to formally investigate such matters. This incident is not isolated; a friend experienced a similar situation where her IC was allegedly used to register a Maxis broadband service without her consent, leading to her being unable to proceed with a new CelcomDigi service due to a Maxis-related blacklist.
Questions Regarding Verification Processes and Safeguards

The prevalence of such cases, described by a police officer as "common," indicates a potential systemic issue. These incidents prompt critical questions regarding the identity verification processes employed by telecommunications companies. Specifically, it is unclear how an account could be opened using another person's identification card, what verification steps were followed, and what safeguards are currently in place to prevent individuals from impersonating others when registering for services.
The Need for Proactive Prevention Over Reactive Measures

These experiences underscore that consumers are often discovering identity fraud by coincidence, rather than through proactive security measures. The current system appears to rely on individuals discovering discrepancies after debt collectors have become involved or after applications for new services have been rejected. This suggests a need for telecommunications companies to strengthen their identity verification protocols to prevent account approvals based on fraudulent information, rather than addressing the consequences of identity theft after the fact.

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Can existing IC verification methods stop identity fraud?

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