Sassa scam

Image: @OfficialSASSA / Twitter

SASSA sends strong warning: Free food parcel is a scam

Scammers are at it again. SASSA has sent out a stern warning that begs people to ignore a new food parcel voucher scam.

Sassa scam

Image: @OfficialSASSA / Twitter

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has pleaded with clients to be aware of a fake food parcel voucher that is currently doing the rounds, it is a scam.

FOOD PARCEL VOUCHER IS A SCAM, SASSA WARNS

The social agency posted the urgent message on social media on Wednesday as the public set out to claim the November 2021 grant payments. Older persons will be paid first, followed by the disabled before the rest of the other beneficiaries.

The fake food parcel voucher scam, which was traced this week, asks Sassa clients to fill in applications to claim the free offer.

“SASSA warns clients not to provide personal information to unknown sites. The below information is fake and does NOT come from SASSA,” the warning said.

WHAT THE SCAM SAYS AND LOOKS LIKE

A screenshot of the fraud bait shows colourful text graphics with the social agency’s logo and branding. It loudly says “Free social relief food parcels for free!” Claim your SASSA food parcels now!”

“NEW: SASSA is giving out food parcel vouchers again as it is shown on TV, Register your name NOW!” the scam information added before including links to a phishing website.

The public is given a serious warning to not click on the scam.

Meanwhile, to avoid arrests, the suspects behind the fraud attempt have since removed the webpage to avoid getting tracked by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

In another recent message, SASSA gave approved beneficiaries who could not collect their special COVID-19 SRD grants from the first round another chance to pick up their unclaimed funds.

Beneficiaries who did not collect their R350 grants now have until 30 November 2021 to pick up the unclaimed funds.