As the festive season approaches, scammers are targeting South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries with false claims of additional grants.
SASSA has clarified that there is no R500 Christmas celebration grant or R700 special payment, urging the public to rely on official communication channels for updates.
Understanding SASSA’s Role
SASSA provides financial support to millions of South Africans through various grants, including:
- Older Persons Pension Grant
- Disability Grant
- War Veterans Grant
- Care Dependency Grant
- Foster Child Grant
- Child Support Grant (and Top-Up options)
- Grant-in-Aid
- Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant (commonly known as the R370 grant)
No R500 Christmas Grant
A widely circulated message claims that SASSA is offering a R500 Christmas celebration grant. SASSA has debunked this rumor:
“SASSA clients and the public at large are advised to ignore this message as it is FALSE and does NOT come from SASSA.”
No R700 Grant
Similarly, there are false claims about a R700 grant payment. SASSA has warned beneficiaries that these claims are also untrue, emphasizing the importance of relying on official updates.
Staying Safe from Scams
The festive season often sees a rise in scams targeting vulnerable individuals. SASSA advises beneficiaries to:
- Verify Information
Only trust information from official SASSA channels, including their website, regional offices, or customer care lines. - Exercise Caution
Be skeptical of social media posts or messages promising unverified grants or payments. - Report Fraudulent Activity
Suspected grant fraud or scams should be reported to SASSA’s fraud hotline at 0800 601 011 or through their Reporting Fraud and Corruption page.
Protecting Vulnerable Beneficiaries
Common Scams to Avoid
- Fake Grant Announcements: False claims of new grants or bonus payments.
- Phishing Scams: Requests for personal or banking information via SMS, email, or calls.
- Advance Fee Fraud: Scammers asking for a payment to “release” grant funds.
Tips to Stay Secure
- Never share your ID number, SASSA card PIN, or banking details with anyone.
- If approached with suspicious offers, verify directly with SASSA.
- Be cautious of unsolicited messages or phone calls, especially during the festive season.
How to Report Grant Fraud
If you suspect fraud or corruption involving social grants, it’s your responsibility to report it. You can:
- Call the SASSA fraud hotline at 0800 601 011.
- Visit SASSA’s Reporting Fraud and Corruption page for detailed steps.
SASSA has firmly stated that there are no R500 or R700 grants being offered, and any such claims should be ignored.
By staying vigilant, verifying information through official channels, and reporting fraudulent activity, beneficiaries can protect themselves from scams during the festive season.
Stay informed, stay safe, and rely on official SASSA communications for accurate updates.
