SASSA urges beneficiaries to use secure resources for SRD checks, appeals, and payment dates to avoid scams and ensure accurate information.
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The morning queue outside the SASSA office in Johannesburg stretched around the block. Elderly pensioners leaned on canes while young mothers bounced restless children on their hips. Among them stood Thandi Nkosi, a 43-year-old domestic worker who had taken the day off—unpaid—to sort out why her R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant had suddenly stopped.
“A man called me saying he works for SASSA. He told me my grant was suspended because I didn’t update my banking details,” Thandi explained, her voice tight with worry. “He said for R50 sent via e-wallet, he could fix it immediately. I was desperate, so I sent it.”
Thandi never received her grant. Instead, she became one of the thousands of South Africans targeted by sophisticated scammers exploiting the vulnerability of social grant beneficiaries. Her story illustrates why the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued an urgent fraud alert amid a concerning rise in scams targeting the nation’s most financially vulnerable citizens.
The Growing Threat to Grant Beneficiaries
SASSA’s recent fraud alert comes as reports of scam activities have increased by nearly 60% over the past six months, according to internal monitoring data. These schemes have become increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters employing a variety of tactics designed to separate beneficiaries from their much-needed grants.
“What makes these scams particularly insidious is how they target people who quite literally cannot afford to lose a single rand,” explains Themba Matlou, SASSA’s Regional Anti-Fraud Coordinator for Gauteng Province. “We’re talking about South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens—the elderly, disabled persons, and struggling families for whom these grants represent the difference between eating and going hungry.”
The scammers often possess just enough information about the grant system to sound legitimate. They frequently claim to be SASSA officials who can “fast-track” applications, resolve payment issues, or provide special access to additional benefits—all for a small “processing fee.”
“The moment anyone asks for money to help with your SASSA grant, that’s your red flag,” Matlou emphasizes, tapping his desk for emphasis during our interview at SASSA’s regional headquarters. “SASSA will never, under any circumstances, ask beneficiaries to pay money to receive their entitled grants.”
Common Scams Currently Circulating
Through interviews with SASSA officials and affected beneficiaries in three provinces, several prevalent scam types have emerged:
The “verification” scam involves fraudsters contacting beneficiaries claiming their grants have been suspended due to verification issues. They then request banking details and a small fee to “reactivate” the grant.
In the “special increase” scam, beneficiaries receive messages about a supposed grant increase they can access by clicking on a link and providing personal information.
The “SASSA card renewal” scam targets older pensioners with claims that their SASSA cards need immediate renewal, requiring both personal information and payment.
Perhaps most troubling is the “fake office” scam, where criminals set up temporary fake “mobile SASSA offices” in communities, complete with fabricated forms and official-looking documents. These operations collect personal information and “processing fees” from dozens of victims before disappearing.
“Last month in Khayelitsha, a temporary ‘SASSA help desk’ operated for three days in a community hall,” recounts Western Cape SASSA spokesperson Nomvuyo Dumile. “By the time we became aware and police responded, the fraudsters had collected information and fees from more than 70 residents. They were targeting mostly elderly pensioners who weren’t comfortable with technology and preferred in-person assistance.”
Secure Channels for Grant Information
In response to the surge in fraudulent activity, SASSA has reinforced its communication regarding the only legitimate channels for grant-related matters. The agency emphasizes that beneficiaries should only use official SASSA websites, physical offices, or the official SASSA toll-free number: 0800 601 011.
For SRD grant applicants specifically, SASSA has highlighted that the only legitimate website for applications, status checks, and appeals is srd.sassa.gov.za. Any other websites claiming to offer these services are unauthorized and potentially dangerous.
“We understand that waiting in long queues at SASSA offices can be difficult, especially for the elderly or disabled,” acknowledges SASSA CEO Busisiwe Memela-Khambula in a recent press statement. “However, attempting shortcuts through unofficial channels almost always leads to financial loss and additional hardship.”
Current Grant Amounts and Payment Dates
To provide beneficiaries with accurate information directly, SASSA has published the following table of current grant amounts and upcoming payment dates:
| Grant Type | Monthly Amount (2023/24) | July 2023 Payment Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Old Age Grant | R2,080 (under 75)<br>R2,100 (over 75) | July 4th |
| Disability Grant | R2,080 | July 5th |
| Child Support Grant | R510 per child | July 6th |
| Foster Child Grant | R1,120 | July 6th |
| Care Dependency Grant | R2,080 | July 7th |
| War Veteran’s Grant | R2,100 | July 4th |
| SRD Grant (R350) | R350 | July 10th – 20th |
SASSA emphasizes that these dates are applicable to the current payment cycle, and beneficiaries should always verify future payment dates through official SASSA channels.
Protection Strategies for Beneficiaries
While SASSA works to combat fraud at the system level, beneficiaries themselves represent the first line of defense against scammers. Through community outreach programs, SASSA has been educating grant recipients about protection strategies.
“Knowledge is power in the fight against these scammers,” explains community educator Precious Zwane, who runs SASSA fraud awareness workshops in Mpumalanga. “Once beneficiaries understand the red flags and know what SASSA will never ask for, they become much harder targets.”
Key protection strategies SASSA recommends include:
- Never share your PIN or ID number with anyone, including people claiming to be SASSA officials
- Don’t respond to requests for fees related to any SASSA service
- Verify all communications by calling the official SASSA helpline
- Be suspicious of any offers that seem “too good to be true”
- Report suspicious activities immediately to SASSA and the police
The education efforts appear to be making an impact in communities where workshops have been conducted. In KwaMashu township outside Durban, reported scam attempts decreased by 40% in areas where SASSA ran intensive awareness campaigns compared to neighboring areas without such programs.
Technology and Vulnerability
A particular challenge in protecting beneficiaries lies in the digital divide that exists in South Africa. While SASSA has modernized many of its systems, a significant portion of beneficiaries—particularly the elderly and those in rural areas—lack digital literacy skills.
“My grandmother has never used a computer or smartphone,” says Sipho Ndlovu, whose 78-year-old grandmother receives an Old Age Grant. “When someone sent her a WhatsApp message claiming to be from SASSA, she had no way to verify if it was legitimate. Fortunately, she called me before responding.”
This digital vulnerability is something SASSA acknowledges needs addressing as part of a comprehensive fraud prevention strategy. The agency has begun including basic digital literacy and security practices in its community outreach programs, teaching beneficiaries how to identify official versus fraudulent communications.
“We’re seeing criminals increasingly exploit technology to target those least equipped to detect digital fraud,” notes cybersecurity expert Dr. Fatima Laher, who consults with several government agencies. “The technological sophistication gap between scammers and many grant recipients represents a significant vulnerability that requires both education and system-level protections.”
Reporting Mechanisms and Response
SASSA has strengthened its fraud reporting mechanisms, creating dedicated channels for beneficiaries to report suspicious activities. The SASSA Anti-Fraud Hotline (0800 601 011) operates 24 hours daily, while a new WhatsApp reporting line (073 200 1000) has been added to make reporting more accessible.
Once fraud is reported, SASSA’s recently expanded Anti-Fraud Unit investigates and coordinates with law enforcement when necessary. This unit has seen some notable successes, including the recent arrest of a syndicate operating fake SASSA offices in multiple provinces.
“We’ve increased our capacity to respond to fraud reports rapidly,” says Matlou. “Where previously it might have taken weeks to investigate, we’re now able to respond within days or even hours in urgent cases.”
The agency also maintains a regularly updated public database of known scams and fraud attempts, helping beneficiaries stay informed about emerging threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I check my SRD status safely?
A: Only use srd.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 601 011.
Q: Will SASSA ever ask for money to process my grant?
A: Never. All SASSA services are free.
Q: How can I verify if a SASSA communication is legitimate?
A: Call the official helpline at 0800 601 011 to confirm.
Q: Where can I report SASSA scams?
A: Call 0800 601 011 or WhatsApp 073 200 1000.
Q: Does SASSA communicate through WhatsApp?
A: No, SASSA does not use WhatsApp for official communications.
For Thandi Nkosi, the domestic worker we met at the beginning, the experience of being scammed has been costly but educational. She now volunteers with a community group helping others identify and avoid similar scams.
“I lost money I couldn’t afford to lose,” she reflects, “but now I make sure everyone in my community knows what to look for. These criminals prey on our desperation, but when we share information, we protect each other.”
As SASSA continues to battle the rising tide of fraud targeting South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens, the agency emphasizes that awareness, vigilance, and the use of official channels remain the strongest defenses available to grant beneficiaries. In the words of CEO Memela-Khambula: “Protecting your grant begins with knowing where to get reliable information and recognizing when something isn’t right.”
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