Home Affairs warns of scammers charging for smart ID and passport bookings
Department of Home Affairs has issued a stern warning to South Africans after reports emerged of scammers charging for smart ID
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The Department of Home Affairs has issued a stern warning to South Africans after reports emerged of scammers charging for smart ID and passport booking services, which are officially free.
This comes as the department ramps up its rollout of smart ID services at partner bank branches nationwide, aiming to make appointments more accessible and reduce long waiting times at traditional Home Affairs offices.
Queues at Home Affairs branches across the country have also continued to grow. IOL previously reported that despite the Department of Home Affairs’ record-breaking achievements in visa turnaround times and smart ID production, many South Africans say their day-to-day experience at local branches tells a different story.
This situation has created opportunities for scammers, who exploit the frustration of citizens by offering paid “booking assistance” services, even though all official Home Affairs appointments are free.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the department warned that scammers were taking advantage of unsuspecting South Africans and urged the public to only use official channels when booking smart ID and passport appointments.
"Take note of scammers trying to get your money. Home Affairs bookings are free, don't fall for these scams!," the department said.
IOL also previously reported that some of the country's big banks have signed up to join the Department’s digital partnership to offer Smart ID and passport services, further expanding access for South Africans across the country.
"Capitec, First National Bank, Standard Bank, ABSA Bank, Discovery Bank. We anticipate that over 840 bank branches will provide Smart ID and Passport services nationwide within 12 months." Ministerial spokesperson Duwayne Esau told IOL last year.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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