The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has issued a public warning to grant recipients, following a fake statement circulating on social media.
This is usually the time of year when fake messages seemingly associated with Sassa begin making the rounds online, says Sassa Spokesperson, Paseka Lesatsi.
Sassa is warning the public against following/joining social media accounts that use the Sassa logo and information as their own. Beneficiaries are urged to stay alert from the moment they submit a Sassa application to when they are receiving their Sassa payments.
"This is a message to our beneficiaries, to exercise caution and avoid being duped by individuals posing as Sassa officials," stated the Spokesperson, who also showed examples of such fake accounts on social media platforms.
Beneficiaries are reminded that Sassa only communicates through official channels of communication. These include online websites, Regional Customer Care Numbers and verified social media pages.
Information such as the "R700 Grant" that has been circulating has been confirmed as fake, and is just another scam attempt.
The agency offers the following, legitimate, social grants:
- Older person's grant (old-age pension)
- Child support grant
- Care dependency grant
- Grant in aid (if you live on a social grant but need someone to take care of you)
- War veteran's grant
- Foster child grant
- Disability grant
"If in doubt, please visit the Sassa office closest to you, or call our [Sassa's] Customer Service Number. Do not divulge any personal information to anyone," concluded Lesatsi.
