Phone Number verification is an important component of the Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) processes during user onboarding. Phone numbers can be used as unique means of identification for users on digital platforms. They can aid robust verification processes such as multi-factor authentication, SMS-based authentication, or one-time password verification. 

It is important to verify phone numbers accurately, as unscrupulous individuals may present fake numbers that do not belong to them or do not exist to bypass the system. 

What Is Phone Number Verification?

Phone Number Verification is the process of validating that a phone number given by a user is valid, correct or active, and belongs to the potential user. It ensures the number's validity or authenticity and establishes a reliable communication channel between the user and a service provider.

This process is typically utilised during the; onboarding of a user, account registration, or when trying to maintain secure access to digital online platforms. It plays a critical role in ensuring intense security, minimising fraud, and compliance ith regulatory requirements.

Why Is Phone Number Verification Important In South Africa 

1. Compliance with Regulatory Systems

South African institutions must comply with regulations like the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) and the Protection of Personal Information Act. Verifying phone numbers makes sure of compliance by validating a user's identity and linking their account to a contactable number.

2. It Aids Two-Step Authentication Systems

Phone numbers are used for two-factor authentication (2FA). 

2FA adds an additional layer of security. This helps to  reduces risks that are associated with an unauthorized access and breaches of an account 

3. Preventing Fraud and Identity Theft

Fake phone number verification helps to reduce fraudulent or illegal activities by ensuring that each user is tied to a traceable contact point. This is especially important in sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and telecommunications.

4. Improved Customer Communication

Verified numbers enable businesses to maintain seamless communication with their users, ensuring notifications, alerts, and updates are delivered without any sort of errors. 

 How To Verify Customer Phone Numbers in South Africa With Youverify
 

Youverify is a leading Regtech company that provides simple yet effective automated compliance software tools to companies of all sizes. Youverify is POPIA compliant and provides a software tool for fake phone number verification for South Africa with a global database that is regularly updated. 

With Youverify’s Phone Intelligence and Verification tool, companies can know more about their potential customers through phone intelligence and verification through their phone numbers. Youverify’s phone intelligence provides detailed phone data for risk assessment, identifying fake account signups, data segmentation, and analysis.

Here is how to verify customer phone number in South Africa with Youverify:

Step 1

 Gather the user's phone number and other optional details, such as their name, gender, and personal identity number.

Step 2

Submit the information to Youverify's Identity Verification API

Step 3

Receive real-time results that indicate whether the phone number is a match and, if so, how well it matches
 

Youverify's phone number verification service can also validate other customer data, like their full name, phone type, geolocation, and billing address. 

Phone Number verification is a vital element of the Know Your Customer Process and Customer Due Diligence. Curious to see how seamless this is? Book a free demo now.