How to Report Sassa Fraud? – Sassa Scams

Social grants serve a long-term role for some South Africans, who rely on them as a major source of their income. But what happens when that lifeline seems compromised and you dont know how to report Sassa fraud effectively?

The problem of SASSA fraud is very acute and leads to the loss of funds intended for the people mostly in need. However, there’s good news! I took my time and put together a thorough guide that is designed to help you process the offense. This article serves as a guide to help you to reclaim your rightful funds and to ensure that these criminals are brought to justice.

What are the Common Types of SASSA Fraud?

Here are some common types of SASSA fraud:

What Are The Different Ways Your Sassa Details Are Leaked or Misused?

Some common types of SASSA fraud that beneficiaries should be aware of:

Fake SMS and Emails (Fake Notification Scams)

Fraudsters send messages which are from SASSA saying that your grant is under threat. They request personal information for “verification” or “update.”

Fake Phishing Websites

Scammers create websites resembling the official SASSA site. They trick users into entering login credentials or personal information. Also, check the SASSA EasyPay Green Card.

Phishing Phone Calls

Fraudsters call beneficiaries, posing as SASSA officials. They ask for verification details or address grant-related issues.

Illegal Loans Offers

Strangers offer loans, requesting your SASSA card as collateral. After providing the card, they either withdraw your grant payments or charge hefty amounts for repayment.

Scams at ATMs or Paypoints (Card Stealing and Swapping)

Scammers observe beneficiaries withdrawing cash. They could steal your card when you’re distracted or they could persuade you to let them check the card for your checking or verification.

Unofficial Card Swaps

Scammers offer to help beneficiaries swap their old SASSA cards for new ones.

Bogus Officials

Scammers pretend SASSA staff members who offer help with more details on grants.

Illegal Deductions

Certain kinds of grant recipients lose their payment money because of some authorization deductions.

How To Report Sassa Fraud and Contact SASSA Representatives?

SASSA offers several channels to get in touch with agents and representatives:

Report Sassa Fraud By Phone

Dial 0800 60 10 11 to connect with the national SASSA call center during working hours (Monday to Friday, 7 am to 4 pm). Choose your preferred language when prompted. Contact your provincial SASSA office directly:

Report Sassa Fraud By Email

Report at the SASSA Website

Visit the SASSA website and click on “Contact Us” to access the online reporting form and additional resources.

Report Fraud At SASSA Office

You can identify the nearest office location by visiting our SASSA website or by calling the helpline. Before your appointment, gather any evidence for Sassa’s complaints. This might include Bank statements, screenshots of suspicious login attempts on your SASSA app, or copies of your ID or SASSA card.

Ask for a dedicated SASSA Fraud Affidavit Form and fill out the form accurately. Once verified, they will block the fraudster’s access to your account and guide you through the next steps to restore your grant.

Report Sassa Fraud At Post Office

Cardholders reporting Sassa fraud cases can submit the following via the Post Office in person or via email [email protected] to Patch Bank. They are required to carry along with the SASSA fraud affidavit form, A original copy of the ID document, and A certified copy of their SASSA card. After having the ~above documents~, you should present them to the post office.

Report the Scam to the South African Police Service (SAPS)

You can report the scam to the SAPS (South African Police Service). Another step we take if you decide to report the fraud as a crime is to also forward the case to the South African Police Service. Dial 10111 in case you need help urgently or assistance now. To report a crime and keep confidentiality, phone Crime Stoppers on 08600 10111.

Contact the National Anti-Corruption Hotline for Sassa fraud

The report can be changed differently if the first report does not bring a satisfying outcome. A text message will reach you on the national anticorruption hotline – 0800 701 701. This is termed as the Public Service Commission’s hotline or as an exclusive channel for reporting corruption or even fraud in government institutions.

How Can I Prevent Identity Theft?

What are Some Sassa Fraudsters Under Investigation?

Over 80 people have already been arrested as part of a Hawks-led investigation concerning Sassa fraud. The scam was based on changing beneficiary bank accounts without the users’ knowledge and raising over R21 million back from Sassa beneficiaries.

These allegations date back to 2018, and investigations revealed that funds were illegally diverted to other accounts during the issuance of new Sassa-South African Post Office (SAPO) bank cards. The Hawk authorities took several cases and the issue is an ongoing investigation.

Besides, over the previous ten years, 937 SASSA officials have been criminally charged with fraud, corruption, and misappropriation, and in 2021/22, there were 50 reported cases. SASSA remains determined to tackle fraud to eradicate it and safeguard social grants for successful distribution.

FAQs:

Conclusion

Social Grants serve as the main source of support for most of the South Africans. Learning about suspected SASSA fraud can be upsetting and cause you to feel unsafe and not be sure about the way forward. It is important to mark that you are not alone. By following the suggested steps, you can make your fraud detection process efficient.