SASSA Alerts Public to Scam Targeting Beneficiaries

SASSA Alerts Public to Scam Targeting Beneficiaries.The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) in the Northern Cape has issued a warning to grant recipients, cautioning them against falling prey to fraudulent schemes. Criminals are attempting to extort money from beneficiaries by falsely promising expedited Sassa services.

Reports of Deceptive Scams on the Rise

Mamazane Shabangu, Sassa’s provincial manager of communications and marketing, revealed that the agency has received numerous reports concerning this fraudulent activity. The most recent incident was reported in the ZF Mgcawu District.

Emphasizing the Authenticity of Free Services

Sassa emphasizes that all the services it provides are entirely free of charge. Shabangu stressed the importance of beneficiaries not being deceived by misleading information or individuals seeking to extract money from them through unlawful means. Sassa unequivocally condemns the criminal actions of scammers who attempt to exploit community members by promising faster Sassa services than the standard procedures.

Scammers Active in ZF Mgcawu District

Recent incidents have specifically targeted individuals in the ZF Mgcawu District. Victims were coerced into making payments to ensure the approval of their grant applications. Sassa urges all beneficiaries to maintain vigilance and stay informed about the agency’s services. Beneficiaries must remember that Sassa does not impose any fees for its services, and they should never pay for assistance or information related to their grants or any other services.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

Shabangu advised beneficiaries to contact their nearest Sassa branch if they encounter individuals charging for services provided by the agency. Sassa encourages beneficiaries to report such incidents immediately either at their nearest Sassa office, through the anti-corruption hotline at 0800 701 701, or by calling the Sassa national toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11.

Sassa Commitment to Beneficiary Protection

Sassa is dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well-being of its beneficiaries. The agency pledges to diligently investigate reports of misleading practices and take appropriate action against individuals or organizations found to be exploiting beneficiaries for personal gain.

Accessing Accurate Information

To access accurate information about Sassa services, eligibility criteria, and related matters, beneficiaries are encouraged to visit the official Sassa website at www.sassa.gov.za or contact their nearest Sassa office, as emphasized by Shabangu.