SASSA Scam Watch

Scammers target SRD beneficiaries every day. Learn to spot fake messages and protect yourself. Below are real examples of scam tactics currently circulating.

How to Spot a Scam

If you see any of these signs, it is not from SASSA.

⚠

Asks for Your PIN

SASSA will never ask for your bank PIN, ATM PIN, or SASSA card PIN. Not by SMS, not by call, not in person.

🔗

Contains a Strange Link

Messages with links to "claim" your grant, "verify" your details, or "update" your banking info are always fake. SASSA uses srd.sassa.gov.za only.

💰

Asks You to Pay

There is no fee to apply for SRD, check your status, or appeal a decision. Anyone asking for money is a scammer.

📱

From an Unknown Number

SASSA sends official SMSes from specific numbers. Random cellphone numbers claiming to be SASSA are fake.

⏰

Creates Urgency

"Act NOW or lose your grant!" - Scammers pressure you to act quickly so you don't think. SASSA gives reasonable deadlines.

💬

WhatsApp "Officials"

SASSA does not process applications or payments via WhatsApp. Anyone claiming to be a SASSA official on WhatsApp is lying.

Fake Message Examples

These are real scam messages people have received. Do not respond to messages like these.

+27 61 XXX XXXX FAKE SMS
"SASSA: Your R370 grant has been approved. Click here to confirm your banking details and receive payment: http://sassa-grant-claim.co.za"
Why it's fake: SASSA never sends links to confirm banking details via SMS. The URL is not an official SASSA domain.
+27 73 XXX XXXX FAKE SMS
"URGENT: Your SASSA SRD grant will be cancelled in 24 hours. Call 081-XXX-XXXX immediately to verify your ID number and avoid losing your payment."
Why it's fake: SASSA does not cancel grants with 24-hour ultimatums via SMS. They will never ask you to call a cellphone number to verify your ID.
WhatsApp Group FAKE WHATSAPP
"I work at SASSA head office. Send me your ID number, phone number, and R50 airtime and I will make sure your SRD application is approved within 2 days."
Why it's fake: No SASSA employee can guarantee approval. SRD applications are processed automatically. Asking for airtime is a clear scam.
+27 84 XXX XXXX FAKE CALL
"Good day, I am calling from SASSA. We need to verify your bank account. Please give me your card number and PIN so we can deposit your R370."
Why it's fake: SASSA will never phone you to ask for your bank card number or PIN. Hang up immediately.

What To Do If You've Been Scammed

1

Report to SASSA

Call the SASSA fraud hotline at 0800 601 011 (toll-free) and report the scam.

2

Contact Your Bank

If you shared banking details, call your bank immediately to block your card and secure your account.

3

Report to the Police

Open a case at your nearest SAPS station. Keep screenshots of messages as evidence.

4

Change Your Passwords

If you clicked any links or shared login details, change your passwords on all accounts immediately.