Con artists cashing in on Sassa grants — don’t fall for it
Sassa services are free
Sassa has warned beneficiaries not to hand over money to fraudsters posing as officials, stressing that all social grant services are completely free of charge.
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THE SOUTH African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has issued a renewed warning to beneficiaries after reports of fraudsters demanding money to “assist” with grant applications.
Sassa emphasised that all its services are free of charge, and no one — not even its own staff — is permitted to request compensation for helping clients.
National spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said the agency is aware of “unfortunate occurrences that are designed to swindle our vulnerable beneficiaries off their grant money in the name of Sassa”.
“We want to emphasise that all our services are free of charge and not even our staff members are permitted to demand money from our clients for providing a service because they are paid already,” he emphasised.
Members of the public are urged to immediately report anyone who claims to represent Sassa and demands payment — whether encountered in the street, at home, or even in official offices.
“We are committed to rooting out fraudulent practices within the social grants system and to put an end to these activities and ensure the integrity of our services. We urge communities to report any illegal operations occurring at our offices to safeguard the system for the benefit of all South Africans,” added Letsatsi.
He noted that Sassa can only defeat fraud and protect the integrity of the social grant system with the support of the public.
“It is our desire to ensure that social grants reach those who need it most and we will do everything in our power to root out all the bad elements in our system,” said Letsatsi.
Anyone who suspects fraud is encouraged to call the Sassa toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11 or the National Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701.