Beware of SASSA Website Fraud Protect Yourself with These Tips.The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is entrusted with overseeing more than 18 million social grants throughout South Africa, which also makes it a prime target for scammers. In this article, we’ll discuss the precautions you should take to avoid falling victim to website fraud and phishing attempts.
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Verify the Authenticity of the SASSA Website
Before entering any personal information on a website claiming to be SASSA, ensure that you are on the legitimate website. Here’s how to confirm it’s the real SASSA address:
Is it the Real SASSA Address?
Check the URL: The URL bar should display the correct website address. Scammers may create fraudulent websites that mimic the real one but with subtle mistakes. These errors might go unnoticed at first glance, but they are designed to mislead users.
Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links
The authentic South African Social Security Agency will never send links or request information via SMS or email. They will not ask you to click on a link to verify or claim anything. Be cautious if you receive an email or message from SASSA that prompts you to click on a link. Clicking on such links can grant scammers access to your personal details or even your device.
Exercise Caution with Phone Calls
Government authorities have issued warnings to social grant beneficiaries regarding scams that ask for new banking details or request you to open another bank account for your SASSA grant payments. Scammers may sound convincing, but they are not real government employees. Their tactics aim to steal your grant or personal information.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from SASSA:
- Request their name.
- Call the official SASSA head office to verify the caller’s identity.
- Never disclose personal information over the phone.
Always Verify with SASSA
If you receive an SMS, phone call, or email and are uncertain about its authenticity, take the following steps:
- Stop and do not respond.
- Contact the national call center to verify the communication or to report potential fraud.
You can reach the national SASSA office at 080 060 101 1.
By following these precautions, you can protect yourself from falling victim to website fraud and phishing attempts that target unsuspecting individuals. Remain vigilant and stay informed to safeguard your personal information and financial security.