How to Report SASSA Frauds & Avoid Common Scams
Have you fallen victim to SASSA fraud? Has someone else applied for your SRD R350 grant using your details or fraudulently received your grant payment? If so, it’s important to report the incident promptly to SASSA to block the fraudsters and regain control over your grant.
In response to the rising number of reports on our website comments regarding,
“Someone else applied for my SRD R350 grant using my details, what should I do?”
“Someone changed my phone number without my knowledge, what should I do?”
I’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you protect your grant access and understand how your information might be compromised.
In this article, I will discuss what steps you should take immediately if someone else is fraudulently receiving your grant, how to block unauthorized access to your SASSA grant, the possible reasons why your details might be exposed, and how to secure your information effectively to prevent future fraud.
How Scammers Steal Your Data to Get Access to Your SASSA Grant
Before moving to the solution, first, you need to understand all the possible scenarios fraudsters use to steal your data and easily access your SRD R350 or any other SASSA grant. There are a lot of different tricks they use; some of the most common are the following:
1. Fake SMS and Emails (Fake Notification Scams)
Scammers target grant beneficiaries by sending fake SMS or emails pretending to be from SASSA. These messages claim your grant is at risk and request personal information for “verification” or “update”. They often create a sense of urgency to trick you into sharing sensitive details. Sharing this information puts your grant and identity at risk.
2. Fake Phishing Websites
Scammers may create fake websites that look similar to the official SASSA site. They might trick you into entering your login credentials or personal information, which they can use to access your grant account. Avoid clicking on any links received from unknown sources, as entering your information on these fake phishing sites exposes your details to scammers.
3. Phishing Phone Calls
Beneficiaries may receive phone calls claiming to be from SASSA, asking for verification details or addressing issues with their grants. These callers fabricate stories to deceive you and extract your personal information, including your PIN.
4. Illegal Loans Offers
Beneficiaries receive loan offers from strangers who request their SASSA card as collateral. After providing the card, these individuals either withdraw your entire grant payments or charge you a substantial amount every month for repayment, trapping you in debt. Remember, it’s illegal for anyone to hold your SASSA card as collateral.
5. Scams at ATMs or Paypoints (Card Stealing and Swapping)
Scammers may observe you when you withdraw cash from ATMs or Paypoints. They might offer fake assistance, steal your card while you’re distracted, or trick you into handing it over for “cleaning” or “verification” by replacing it with a lookalike that steals your information. Therefore, never accept help from strangers at ATMs or pay points, and always cover your PIN with your hand while entering.
6. Impersonation Scams
Scammers sometimes impersonate SASSA representatives and request beneficiaries to meet in person or provide information over a phone call. Never trust anyone and verify their identity by contacting SASSA.
7. Scam By Offering Help to Apply For Grant
Beware of circulating messages on WhatsApp where scammers offer assistance in applying for your SRD grant. Never share your details with them or anyone else. They aim to steal your grant money by obtaining your personal information. Applying for your SRD R350 grant is a straightforward process that you can do yourself.
The scams mentioned above are among the most common ones, but there are also other types of scams as scammers constantly adapt their tactics. The important thing to understand is never to share your details with anyone, and you can always stay safe from scammers.
How to Report SASSA Fraud If You Are Already Scammed
If you are already scammed and someone has applied for your grant on your behalf, or any scammer accesses your grant funds, you must secure and recover your grant immediately to block the fraudster’s access. Please follow the steps below to report the fraud:
Step 1: Report the Fraud Directly to SASSA
First of all, you need to report the fraud to SASSA to let them know that you have become the victim of fraud and need help to recover your grant. You can either report them by calling or by visiting their office.
Report the Fraud By Calling SASSA Helpline
Call the toll-free SASSA helpline number 0800 60 10 11. Connect with a call centre agent and explain that you suspect fraud with your grant. The SASSA representative will request your ID card number, phone number, and additional documents to verify you are the real owner of the grant. Once they verify you, they will block the scammer’s access and explain to you the next steps you need to take to restore your grant.
Report the Scam at Your Nearest SASSA Office
If you can not call, visit your nearest SASSA office immediately to report the fraud. Bring your ID card and the phone number registered with SASSA. The SASSA representative will request these documents to verify your identity. Once verified, they will block the fraudster’s access to your account and guide you through the next steps to restore your grant.
Step 2: Report the Fraud to the Post Office
After the initial fraud report to SASSA, make sure your SASSA card or banking details are not compromised. If they are also compromised, then you need to report the scam to the Post Office as well.
You will need the following documents before reporting the SASSA fraud:
Once you have all the above documents, submit them to the post office. You can submit them either by visiting a Post office branch or sending them via mail to postbankfraud@postoffice.co.za.
After you report, the post bank authorities will take action against it, block the fraudster’s access to your account and guide you through the next steps to secure your grant from your end.
Step 3: Report the Scam to the South African Police Service (SAPS)
For most cases, reporting to SASSA and the Post Office is enough. But if you want to take further action and the fraud committed is a criminal act, you must also report it to the South African Police Service. They can investigate the matter and take appropriate legal action. Visit your local police station to file a formal report. You can find your nearest police stations from the SAPS website.
Step 4: Contact the National Anti-Corruption Hotline
You can also report fraud to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline by calling 0800 701 701. This hotline is managed by the Public Service Commission and is dedicated to handling corruption and fraud complaints. Use this option if the above reports do not resolve the issue.
When reporting fraud, provide as much detail as possible. This may include the date and time of the incident, the individuals involved, and any supporting evidence you may have. Please use only official SASSA contact details and official reporting channels. Avoid sharing sensitive information through unofficial channels or third-party services.
If you have reported the fraud through a helpline or online system, consider following up to ensure your report is being investigated and addressed.
Remember, reporting fraud promptly is important to prevent further harm and protect other individuals from falling victim to similar scams.
What Should I Do If My SASSA Phone Number Changed Without My Permission?
If your SASSA phone number has been changed without your authorization, you can report it online through the official SASSA website:
That’s all you need to do to file a report with SASSA for an unauthorized phone number change. Please note that it may take a few days for SASSA to respond to your request, so remain patient. Additionally, you can contact SASSA directly through the helpline or by visiting their office using the above methods.
How to Avoid Any SASSA Fraud in Future
To avoid SASSA fraud in the future, consider the following tips:
1. Stay Informed:
Keep yourself informed about the latest scams and fraud tactics. SASSA regularly communicates with beneficiaries through official channels, so be aware of their updates.
2. Official Communication:
Only respond to official communication from SASSA. Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages claiming to be from SASSA, especially if they request personal information.
3. Protect Personal Information:
Never share your ID number, PIN, or any other personal information with anyone claiming to represent SASSA unless you initiated the contact through official channels.
4. Secure Your Documents:
Keep your ID card, social grant documents, and other important papers in a secure place. If lost or stolen, report it to the police and SASSA immediately.
5. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers:
Be cautious about unexpected offers, especially those promising additional benefits or grants. Verify any such offers through official SASSA channels.
6. Check Your Statements Regularly:
Regularly check your SASSA account statements for any suspicious transactions or activities. Report any discrepancies immediately.
7. Use Official Channels:
When contacting SASSA, use the official helpline numbers or visit their offices. Avoid using unofficial websites, phone numbers, or third-party services for SASSA-related matters.
8. Educate Yourself and Others:
Stay informed about common fraud tactics and educate your friends and family members to help prevent them from falling victim to scams.
9. Update Contact Information:
Ensure that SASSA has your current and accurate contact information. This will help them communicate with you directly and prevent scammers from using outdated details.
10. Report Suspicious Activity:
If you suspect any fraudulent activity, report it to SASSA immediately. Quick reporting can help prevent further damage and protect other beneficiaries.
By staying vigilant, protecting your personal information, and being aware of potential scams, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to SASSA fraud in the future.
Conclusion
Keeping your SRD R350 grant safe from SASSA fraud is important. We’ve covered common scams, including fake SMS, phishing websites, and people pretending to be SASSA officials. If you got scammed, report it ASAP to SASSA, the Post Office, and the cops. To stop future scams, stay informed, protect personal information, and use official channels only for communication. Following these tips will help keep your grant secure and protect others from falling into the same traps. Stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly to ensure a safer grant experience.
Someone used my id to apply for my 350
My son also turned 18 in January. Today i decided to help him apply R350 grant however it said already active… How do we report this fraud? number never gets answered. any alternate number or email?
It has been a year since someone is taking my 350…. even now the is no one who can help me
Bro this is a scam, everyone is complaining bout this they’re using our id numbers fr.
i also applied for R350 on February and they told me my grant application is already active so I called the R350 sassa people and they told me their agencies are not currently working
When my son was applying 350 grant it says his number already used yet his not receiving any grant..he call toll-free but no response from sassa when he went there he was told the only way is to call
How that can be possible?
They’re the ones that are using our id numbers & apply for R350 using our IDs. This is all scam many citizens are complaining about this issue.
When i try to apply for 350 sassa grant, it says i have already applied
My son recently got 18 years old on 17 January, and on February I decided to apply only to find out my 350 is already had been applied but l don’t receive any sent and even when l try to appeal they say my number is invalid l don’t understand but l think there are scammers and fraudsters in SASSA services or Home Affairs please do check people you are working with we have a very issue here!!!
Someone opened a Tyme Bank account with my idenity number. I got all the revelant documents to take to Sassa and was told I need to go to home affairs and get a Manus Certificate. Why didn’t Sassa tell me when I phoned and asked what documents to bring, and why wasn’t that fraudulent grant pended in the interim.
I’m running up and down wasting my time due to all this corruption that occurs and Sassa.
I want to make R350 but it’s already make and I don’t know the person the number too
I don’t know what to do someone already used my identity
This Sassa thing i feel like they’re using our id numbers because I never applied for the R350 before & when i applied there’s someone in use. They said i must wait 6 months up until now, it’s been 2 years now and when i contact them they’re saying the same thing & the account is active which is the person is still gaining my R350.
My name is Rosemary Breda it’s going to 2years now I dnt get my 350 someone is getting it but I called sassa they say I mst change numbers which I dd they will send me an SMS so what can I do to stop this person to get my money
Please help me sassa
Same thing, they said they will call me after six months up until now. It’s been two years now & the account is still active
Hi my is boithabiso I recently got 18 on march I decided to apply for my 350 it has been already being applied without my permission and I even tried to appeal they my number is invalid please help me
Me too I turned 18 last year December when I apply it’s say it has been applied without my permission I even tried to change number
I also have the same problem
My younger sister can’t apply for srd grant it says already active, and she has never applied before, even worse the person who eats her grant money open fnb account. They getting the money through a bank, she never even open a bank account with FNB. This is SAd because she just finished her matric she is home unemployed yet again she can’t get her srd grant.
Even my younger sister…so did you get help
Someone use my id to apply for R350
I want to fix it
Someone is STEALING ID number and receiving grants under my name!!!!!
How is this possible???
Yesterday I turned 18 so today I decided to apply for 350 but it says my status is already active.i suspect that someone used my I’d number without my permission what should I do
Hi Mbali,
You should report it immediately to SASSA.
I have the same issue since last year April i have been calling them to this date, matter has been escalated forever (thief is getting rich)
Same here so what you did to resolve this problem.
I recently got 18 years old on January and on February I decided to apply only to find out my 350 is already had been applied but l don’t receive any sent and even when l try to appeal they say my number is invalid l don’t understand but l think there are scammers and fraudsters in SASSA services or Home Affairs please do check people you are working with we have a very issue here!!!!
Hi Solofelang,
Please report this fraud to SASSA to recover your grant. You can follow the complete guideline in this article.
Why am i not getting paid and i just started this year to register for r350 and am 19 years … All banking details are fine and am getting approved with no paydate
Hi Sifundo,
Please read our article “SASSA grant Approved but no payment dates” to understand the reasons behind the no payment dates and the methods to solve it.
Someone using my ID to apply and I don’t know how
Someone is taking my R350 I don’t get that money
Hi Peter,
Please report it immediately by following the guide in this article.
My son also turned 18 and applied for 350 grant and it said already active… We reported it via email and phone call they keep saying they will get back to us but nothing… Its been a year later we still waiting…