# The Department of Home Affairs has decommissioned its SMS application status service after cybercriminals allegedly exploited the platform for phishing and other fraudulent activities. The service previously allowed citizens to check the status of ID and passport applications by sending their ID number via SMS. Home Affairs says applicants now receive automatic updates at key stages of the process. The department has urged citizens to use official channels, including the eHomeAffairs platform and bank communication systems, to track document applications.
Home Affairs scraps SMS status check service