Exploring the challenges of forensic technology in responding to credit card fraud in Sedibeng Region, South Africa

Abstract

Today use of Credit Card even in developing countries has become a common scenario. People use it to shop, pay bills and for online transactions. This study explored the challenges of forensic technology in responding to credit card fraud as an approach used by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Sedibeng region. This study was carried out utilising a qualitative approach and thirty nine interviews were carried out among officials deployed in the SAPS, community leaders, members of the community and bank managers. The key findings indicated that the challenges in responding to this scourge is that the perpetrators utilise advanced technologies resources (computer hacking software) as opposed to SAPS which does not have systems nor capacity to effectively respond to this crime. The limited resources to respond to this crime adequately. For recommendations; significant emphases should be directed on the promotion of public awareness through public education. The intensive training of SAPS officials and inter-governmental collaboration between the SAPS, community police forums, bank managers and South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) in understanding this technology are highly advised.