Alert issued regarding R1 000 SASSA food parcel scam

The South African Social Security Agency alerts vulnerable grant recipients about a circulating SASSA food parcel scam.

The public warning was issued via the department’s social media pages, saying a brazen new SASSA food parcel scam should be disregarded. The fraudulent scheme, circulating widely on social media, claims that SASSA grant recipients can now apply for R1 000 food vouchers through the agency.

However, it has since been confirmed that the SASSA food parcel scam is entirely false, reports The Citizen. After exchanging/submitting particulars on your SASSA account, fraudsters will then use that information to redirect your funds to themselves. In a tweet from SASSA’s official account on X, it stated, “Please note that the below information is false and does NOT come from us.” The agency urged vulnerable citizens not to fall prey to the scam.

SASSA FOOD PARCEL SCAM

The latest SASSA food parcel scam is another fire new Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe must put out quickly. She’s been widely criticised already for a lack of communication over biometric verification systems, since it became known that residents without smart card IDs are finding the facial recognition software harder to use as the Department of Home Affairs does not have digitised images of them on their databases.

Therefore, the agency has asked grant beneficiaries to remain vigilant and only verify information through official channels. And not to share personal details or send money to anyone under and cirsumstances. SASSA once again reassures the public that it will never request personal information or payment via social media or text messages with hyperlinks. Likewise, it urges public to report any suspicious activity to the department HERE.

USE ONLY THE OFFICIAL SASSA PAGE

SASSA is aware of several bogus websites claiming to be Social Relief of Distress (SRD) related. Therefore, here’s a step-by-step guide to checking your SRD grant status correctly:

• Visit the SASSA SRD status website to find the SRD status check section.
• Follow prompts and provide your ID number and mobile phone number linked to your SRD grant application.
• Check the progress of your grant through status check.
• For security purposes, you will be sent an additional SASSA status pin number to your device