Scammers are actively targeting SASSA beneficiaries. Learn how to identify and avoid fraud to protect your grant and personal information.
Golden Rule: SASSA will NEVER ask you to pay money for any service. Applications, status checks, appeals, and all services are completely free. If anyone asks for payment, it is a scam.
These scams are currently circulating. Be aware and share this information with family and friends.
Messages are spreading on social media and WhatsApp claiming that SASSA has introduced a new R700 grant. Some messages include links to fake websites that ask for your ID number and banking details.
The Truth: There is NO R700 SASSA grant. SASSA has officially denied this. The SRD grant is R370/month. See all real grant amounts →
Over 150 fake websites have been detected that mimic the official SASSA SRD portal. These sites look almost identical to the real one but are designed to steal your ID number, phone number, and banking details.
How to spot fakes: The official SASSA website URLs always end in sassa.gov.za. Check for the padlock icon and "https://" in your browser. If the URL contains anything else (like sassa-grants.com or sassa-status.co.za), it is fake.
Scammers send WhatsApp messages or SMS claiming to be from SASSA. They may say your grant is suspended, your application needs urgent verification, or you have won a "bonus payment". They then ask you to click a link or provide personal information.
SASSA's real WhatsApp numbers: 082 046 8553 (status check) and 082 054 0016 (applications). SASSA will never send you unsolicited messages asking for banking details or payments.
People posing as financial service providers approach SASSA pensioners offering food vouchers, loans, or insurance. They collect personal information and then make unauthorized deductions from grant payments. SASSA has reported this is happening at pay points and shopping centres.
Protect yourself: Never sign documents from people you don't know at pay points. Never share your SASSA card PIN with anyone. Report unauthorized deductions immediately to SASSA.
Individuals claim they can speed up your SASSA application, guarantee approval, or unlock a pending payment — for a fee. Some operate near SASSA offices, targeting people in queues.
The Truth: No one can speed up or influence SASSA's automated processing system. Applications are processed by the system, not by individuals. Never pay anyone.
Answer the question below to determine if something might be a scam.
Follow these rules to keep your grant and personal information safe.
Know the difference between real SASSA communications and scams.
If you have been scammed or know of fraud, report it immediately.
0800 601 011
Toll-free, anonymous reporting
0800 60 10 11
General enquiries & fraud reports
Visit nearest police station
Open a case with evidence
Visit in person
Bring screenshots & evidence
What SASSA is doing to combat fraud and protect beneficiaries.