Why are scam calls slipping through RICA?

CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit interviews Advocate Thokozani Mvelase, CEO of the Communication Risk Information Centre (COMRiC).

Listen below:

It seems that spam calls are on the rise, with almost every second call now turning out to be a scam.

But how is it that scam callers appear to have an endless supply of SIM cards to operate from, especially when every SIM card purchase is supposed to be registered through the RICA process (Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-related Information Act)?

Mvelase explains that the intention behind RICA is to link each SIM card to a legitimate user, thereby reducing the risk of misuse by unauthorised individuals.

"That's the real reason and the purpose of you bringing your ID and a proof of residence when you purchase a SIM card."

- Advocate Thokozani Mvelase, CEO – Communication Risk Information Centre

So how are criminals managing to bypass this system – and does this loophole render the RICA process ineffective?

According to Mvelase, the problem lies in the fact that the proper procedures are not always followed or enforced.

When people purchase SIM cards, there's little to no oversight to ensure that the necessary personal details are actually recorded.

He further points out a critical flaw in the RICA process itself: it does not require any form of verification.

This means that even if details are submitted, there’s no mechanism to confirm whether they are accurate or authentic – making the process vulnerable to abuse.

"You can produce an ID copy and say 'this is me' and the RICA agent can capture it. There is no requirement to make sure it is actually verified."

- Advocate Thokozani Mvelase, CEO – Communication Risk Information Centre

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.