SASSA March grants can be collected on these dates Images: Stock/Canva/SASSA.
SASSA warns against website fraud: Tips on how to avoid scammers
SASSA has warned against website fraud. Many sites look like the “real thing” but are set up to steal your information. Follow these tips!
SASSA March grants can be collected on these dates Images: Stock/Canva/SASSA.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is responsible for more than 18 million social grants throughout South Africa.
ALSO READ: SASSA grants: What to do if you went home empty-handed
This has also made them one of the most popular targets for scammers.
There are many websites that look like the “real thing” – but are set up to steal your personal information.
Here’s how to make sure you’re using the real SASSA website.
Is it the real SASSA address?
Make sure that the URL bar shows the right website address.
If you visit YouTube, it should say: https://www.youtube.com/
ALSO READ: SASSA: Do unclaimed grants expire?
A fraudulent website that looks like YouTube might make a small ‘mistake’ that you almost won’t see.
A fake website would say, for example: https://www.y0utube.com/
It looks right if you looked quickly, but it’s not the correct URL.
That’s something scammers often do to make one website look like something else – and it could happen on fake clones of the SASSA website too.
The correct SASSA website should say: https://sassa.gov.za/
Never click links
The real South African Social Security Agency will never send links or information requests via SMS or email: it means that they will not ask you to click on a link to verify or claim anything.
If you have gotten an email or message from SASSA, then it could be a scammer who is trying to fool you into clicking on the link.
Once you click on the link, the scammer could have access to your details – or full access to your device.
ALSO READ: Is SASSA offline? How to find out in 10 minutes or less
Beware of phone calls
Government has warned social grant beneficiaries against scams that requests new banking details, or asks you to open another bank account for your SASSA grant to be paid to.
The scammers might sound like they are from the real place, but these are not real government employees. Their techniques are designed to steal either your grant or your information.
If you receive a call from someone who says they are from SASSA, request their name, and then call the real head office. Never give anyone your personal information!
Always call head office to verify any information you have been asked for.
ALSO READ: SASSA grants: Can someone KEEP my card?
CHECK with SASSA
If you have gotten an SMS, phone call, or email and you aren’t sure if it was from the right place… stop and contact the national call center!
Check with SASSA if you aren’t sure, or if you would like to report fraud.
The national office can be reached at 080 060 101 1
Requests and complaints can also be sent in via email at GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za.
