SASSA and four DANGEROUS scams to watch out for
SASSA have warned against these four DANGEROUS scams targeting SA grant recipients. Here’s what to look out for, and what to do
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) dispenses more than 18 million social grants to people in need. It includes the R350-SRD grant, Childcare Grants, Disability Grants, and In-Aid Grants.
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Unfortunately, there are many fake websites and false information out there.
According to SASSA, social grant recipients should watch out for these three types of social grant scams.
FAKE SMSES AND EMAILS
The South African Social Security Agency have warned against fake SMS messages and emails sent to grant recipients. If you receive an email from someone asking for your personal details or bank account, it will never come from an official source.
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Don’t trust any messages or emails that claim you should contact them with your details for a payout or information. These emails are sent by scammers, who aren’t connected to the real, legal system.
SASSA PHONE CALLS
If you get a phone call from someone who claims they’re from SASSA, hang up immediately. Call Head or Regional offices if there’s something you’d like to know about your social grant payment or how it works.
According to government, the agency will never contact you for personal information via phone, SMS, or email.
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If someone asks for your address or ID number over the phone, don’t give it to them. Scammers steal your personal information, and might just steal your money.
FAKE WEBSITES
The authentic website must say: https://sassa.gov.za in the URL bar. Always double check that you are dealing with the real SASSA website, or you might give your personal information to a scammer.
The authentic website will ask for your ID and cellphone number to verify your personal details. While this is fine on the official website, any other website could just steal your personal information.
ILLEGAL SASSA LOANS
The social security agency does not provide loans or financial services.
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If you find any claims ot “SASSA loans”, the website you are dealing with is a fraud or illegal lender. Don’t fall for claims that you can loan money through the social agency (or against your social grant
CONTACT SASSA
Contact the agency via email at GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za to verify any messages or details claiming to be from SASSA.