{"id":1083,"date":"2017-03-28T09:25:13","date_gmt":"2017-03-28T07:25:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/?post_type=did_you_know&p=1083"},"modified":"2025-07-20T00:04:57","modified_gmt":"2025-07-19T22:04:57","slug":"showcase-story-tangeni-the-identity-thief","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/showcase-story-tangeni-the-identity-thief\/","title":{"rendered":"Showcase Story Tangeni The Identity Thief"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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And so Tangeni got a new friend<\/h3><\/span><\/div>
His name was Hafeni. This guy, Hafeni, had arrived in Windhoek six months ago and landed himself a good job at one of the private companies in the city.

\nBeing the good friend that he is, Tangeni always
\ninvited Hafeni to parties and other social events.

\n\nHafeni was impressed by Tangeni\u2019s knowledge of the social scene. Also, Tangeni seemed to be connected to every celebrity in the city and always dropped the names of politicians in his conversations with Hafeni.

\n\nIt was not long before the two friends trusted each other to the extent that they moved into a flat together. Because they shared bills, Hafeni did not mind leaving his important documents with Tangeni.

\n\nIt appeared Hafeni\u2019s job was more demanding and he had little time to take care of household errands like paying bills, buying food and organising things around the house. That was left to Hafeni, who was all too pleased to oblige.

\n\nAs weeks became months and months became years, the friendship grew from strength to strength and trust between the two was cemented. Hafeni still loved his work, and weekend parties, and nothing else really worried him. The only other thing he looked forward to was the weekend so he could
\n\u2018unwind\u2019 in the best ways possible. In any case, his friend Tangeni always made sure that they went to the best spots in town.

\n\n\u201cTangeni himself was a fast mover. All of a sudden he started acquiring expensive designer clothes, furnished the flat with the most expensive furniture and discarded the cheap stuff. Hafeni had the thought of asking where Tangeni got the money from, but he convinced himself that being the man about town, his connections must be sorting him out financially.\u201d

\n\nAnd so the high life continued until one day that turned around Hafeni\u2019s life completely. He was visited at his work place by messengers of the court. They issued him with a warrant of arrest for ignoring court orders. Hafeni was flabbergasted. He did not know what to do. When he called Tangeni for quick advice, the message on the phone said the number was not in existence. How could that be if he saw Tangeni the same morning before he came to work?

\n\nSomething was just not right, but Hafeni did not have the time to think straight. He was shown copies of letters of demand by lawyers for goods that he bought on hire purchase and credit cards over an extended period. Hafeni denied that he ever opened accounts or used his credit card to acquire those items, but letters of demand showed otherwise.

\n\nThen it dawned on him. For many months, Hafeni didn\u2019t receive mail, as Tangeni was in charge of collecting mail from the post office and virtually
\neverything else around the flat. Hafeni slumped in his chair. He just realised what had happened: For trusting his good friend with everything, including his identity documents and bank cards, he found himself in a very deep mess. Tangeni had shrewdly made him use his mailbox, which he had no access to, thus denying Hafeni the chance to know what
\nmail he had received. How would he explain this to his employer, colleagues and family?
\n\nSympathetic to Hafeni, the court messengers sat him down and asked him a few questions about his life, including when he came to Windhoek, and who he stays with. It was easy to identify a suspect. Tangeni
\nwas the prime suspect and any subsequent calls to his cellphone were met by a message stating that the number has been discontinued and no longer exists.

\n\nHafeni was informed that he was a victim of identity theft. He wondered how Tangeni got it right over this many months to clean him out from right under his nose while they stayed together and partied together.

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HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT<\/h3><\/span><\/div>
Identity theft is when your personal details are stolen and identity fraud is when those details are used to commit fraud.

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Identity theft<\/h3><\/span><\/div>
Identity theft happens when fraudsters access

\n\nenough information about someone\u2019s identity (such as their name, date of birth, current or previous

\naddresses) to commit identity fraud. Identity theft
\ncan take place whether the fraud victim is alive or deceased.

\n\nIf you\u2019re a victim of identity theft, it can lead to fraud that can have a direct impact on your personal finances and could also make it difficult for you to obtain loans, credit cards or a mortgage until the matter is resolved.<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Identity fraud<\/h3><\/span><\/div>
Identity fraud can be described as the use of that stolen identity in criminal activity to obtain goods or services by deception.

\n\n\u2022 If you are concerned about the source of a call, ask the caller to give you a main switchboard number for you to call them back on. Alternatively, hang up and call your bank back on the legitimate phone number printed on your bank statements.

\n\n\u2022 Check your statements carefully and report anything suspicious to the bank or financial service provider concerned.
\n\u2022 Don\u2019t leave things like bills lying around for others to look at.

\n\n\u2022 If you\u2019re expecting a bank or credit card statement and it doesn\u2019t arrive, tell your bank or credit card company.
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What should you do if you\u2019ve been a victim of identity fraud?<\/h3><\/span><\/div>
Further advice \u2013 Plastic cards

\n\n\u2022 If your plastic cards are lost or stolen, cancel them immediately. Keep a note of the emergency numbers you should call.

\n\n\u2022 When giving your card details or personal information over the phone, internet or in a shop, make sure other people cannot hear or see your personal information.

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Documents<\/h4>
\nKeep your personal documents in a safe place,

\n\npreferably in a lockable drawer or cabinet at home.

\n\nConsider storing valuable financial documents such as share certificates with your bank.

\n\nFraudsters can use your identity details to:

\n\n\u2022 Open bank accounts
\n\n\u2022 Obtain credit cards, loans and state benefits
\n\n\u2022 Order goods in your name
\n\n\u2022 Take over your existing accounts
\n\n\u2022 Take out mobile phone contracts
\n\n\u2022 Obtain genuine documents such as passports and driving licences in your name.

\n\n\u2022 The first time you know of it may be when you receive bills or invoices for things you haven\u2019t ordered, or when you receive letters from debt
\n\ncollectors for debts that aren\u2019t yours.

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Protect yourself against identity fraud<\/h4>
\n\u2022 Don\u2019t throw out anything with your name, address or financial details without shredding it first.
\n\u2022 If you receive an unsolicited email or phone call from what appears to be your bank or building society asking for your security details, never reveal your full password, login details or account numbers. Be aware that a bank will never ask for your PIN or for a whole security number or password.

\n\n\u2022 Act quickly \u2013 you mustn\u2019t ignore the problem. Even though you didn\u2019t order those goods or open that bank account, the bad debts will end up under your name and address.

\n\n\u2022 If you believe you\u2019re a victim of identity fraud involving plastic cards (e.g. credit and debit cards), online banking or cheques, you must report it to your bank as soon as possible. Your bank will then be responsible for investigating the issue and they will report any case of criminal activity to the police. The police will then record your case and decide whether to carry out follow-up investigations.

\n\n\u2022 If you think you\u2019re a victim of another kind of identity fraud, you must report the matter to the relevant organisation. Depending on their advice, you should then alert the police.

\n\n\u2022 You should report all lost or stolen documents \u2013 such as passports, driving licences, plastic cards, cheque books \u2013 to the relevant organisation.

\n\nDon\u2019t throw away entire bills, receipts, credit-or debit-card slips, bank statements or even unwanted post in your name. Destroy unwanted documents, preferably by using a shredder.

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Passwords and PINs<\/h3><\/span><\/div>
Never give personal or account details to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Be suspicious even if they claim to be from your bank or the police.

\n\nDon\u2019t use the same password for more than one account and never use banking passwords for any other websites. Using different passwords increases security and makes it less likely that someone could access any other accounts.
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Summary<\/h3><\/span><\/div>
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A Trusted Friend\u2026 or a Master of Deception?<\/h3><\/span><\/div>
And so Tangeni got a new friend.\nHis name was Hafeni.\n\nHafeni had arrived in Windhoek six months ago and landed a good job at a private company. Tangeni, being a warm and social person, always invited him to parties and social gatherings. Hafeni was impressed\u2014Tangeni seemed to know every celebrity in the city and often mentioned politicians in passing conversation.\n\nTheir friendship grew, and eventually, they moved into a shared flat. Since they split the bills, Hafeni didn\u2019t mind leaving important documents like ID and bank cards in Tangeni\u2019s care. Hafeni\u2019s job was demanding, so Tangeni handled most errands\u2014paying bills, shopping, collecting mail.\n\nLife was good. The two partied on weekends, and Tangeni\u2019s lifestyle grew more luxurious: designer clothes, expensive furniture, all appearing out of nowhere. Hafeni wondered about the money\u2014but assumed Tangeni\u2019s \u201cconnections\u201d were helping him out.<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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  • <\/span>Many of the current laws are outdated, dating as far back as the 1950s and 1960s<\/li>
  • <\/span>The laws are fragmented, inconsistent, and do not comprehensively address consumer protection or financial stability<\/li>
  • <\/span>Existing penalties and enforcement mechanisms are weak and insufficient to deter non-compliance<\/li>
  • <\/span>NAMFISA\u2019s powers under current legislation are limited, reducing its ability to act effectively against non-compliance<\/li>
  • <\/span>The legislation fails to address the socio-economic challenges of a modern Namibia<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    <\/h5><\/div>
    To address these shortcomings, the FIM Bill aims to empower NAMFISA to act more decisively and adopt a risk-based supervisory approach. This shift will ensure that regulatory efforts are focused on areas of highest risk to the financial system and consumer protection.<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Enhancing Fiduciary Responsibility<\/h5><\/div>
    The FIM Bill places significant fiduciary responsibility on the Boards of Trustees managing pension funds. Trustees are expected to:<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    • <\/span>Uphold principles of good corporate governance<\/li>
    • <\/span>Exercise due diligence when appointing service providers and advisers<\/li>
    • <\/span>Ensure full and transparent disclosures are made by all parties involved in the fund\u2019s administration<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      <\/h5><\/div>
      NAMFISA will have the authority to remove Trustees from office where there is evidence of abuse of power or failure to act in the best interest of fund members.\n

      \n\nIt is important to note that umbrella funds are recognised by NAMFISA as legal stand-alone entities. These funds operate under the same regulatory framework as traditional pension funds and are subject to the same governance and disclosure requirements.<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      The Role of Pension Fund Members<\/h5><\/div>
      Members of pension funds also play a crucial role in safeguarding their retirement savings. This includes:<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      • <\/span>Actively participating in the appointment of competent and accountable individuals to Boards of Trustees<\/li>
      • <\/span>Ensuring personal and beneficiary information is kept up to date with employers or fund administrators<\/li>
      • <\/span>Holding Trustees accountable to ensure benefits remain adequate and premiums affordable<\/li>
      • <\/span>Surrender Charges and Fees: Early withdrawals are often subject to administrative or surrender charges, reducing the actual amount you receive.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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        Improving Reporting and Compliance<\/h5><\/div>
        NAMFISA has historically struggled with the effective supervision of pension funds due to non-compliance with statutory return submissions. Annual submissions have proven insufficient for effective oversight.\n

        \n\nTo improve this, NAMFISA, through the Provident Institutions Division, has initiated a shift toward quarterly reporting. This will provide timely data to improve regulatory decisions and market monitoring. The Division has consulted widely with industry stakeholders to ensure the new reporting framework is practical and cost-effective.<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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        A Shared Responsibility<\/h5><\/div>
        While NAMFISA is responsible for ensuring a safe and sound financial sector, the success of this mandate also depends on:<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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        • <\/span>The cooperation of Trustees who ensure compliance and sound governance practices<\/li>
        • <\/span>The participation of fund members who stay informed and engaged in the administration of their pension savings<\/li>
        • <\/span>The collective commitment of all stakeholders to support reforms that strengthen the financial system for the benefit of all<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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          <\/h5><\/div>
          The regulatory reform process is ultimately about building a resilient financial sector that protects consumers, encourages savings and investment, and supports Namibia\u2019s broader socio-economic goals.<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          And so Tangeni got a new friend His name was Hafeni. This guy, Hafeni, had arrived in Windhoek six months ago and landed himself a good job at one of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_eb_attr":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[424],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1083","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-didyouknow"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1083","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1083"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1083\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35824,"href":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1083\/revisions\/35824"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1083"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1083"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.namfisa.com.na\/educates\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1083"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}