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:
- Identity Theft: This involves criminals obtaining someone else’s ID information (like an ID book or SASSA card) to fraudulently apply for or divert grant funds.
- Card Cloning: Criminals might steal or skim SASSA cards to access grant funds at ATMs or through unauthorized purchases.
- Deceased Beneficiary Fraud: Some criminals continue to withdraw funds from the accounts of deceased beneficiaries.
- Ghost Beneficiaries: Fraudulent applications are created for fictitious people to siphon off grant money.
- Official Collusion: On some occasions, the officials of SASSA are involved in corruption. Their partners are outside the SASSA organization and purposely steal grant funds.
- SASSA APP Scams: Phishing or a fake app that mimics the SASSA website will fool victims into disclosing their credentials, and the criminals will then gain access to the funds.
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:
- Eastern Cape: 043 707 6335
- Free State: 051 410 8339
- Gauteng: 011 241 8320
- KwaZulu Natal: 033 846 3400
- Limpopo: 015 291 7505
- Mpumalanga: 013 754 9462
- Northern Cape: 053 802 4900
- North West: 018 397 3333
- Western Cape: 021 469 0235
Report Sassa Fraud By Email
- Grant inquiries: Send [email protected] if you have a general grant-related query.
- SRD Grant Enquiries: You may use the following email address for Sassa fraud reporting or get answers to any of your SRD Social Relief grant concerns: [email protected].
- Fraud Reporting: The application of social grant fraud reporting email is [email protected].
- Lodging Complaints: If you have problems with grant financing, send an email to [email protected], attaching your full name, ID number, and contact details with detailed case information.
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?
- Avoid giving out unnecessary details like bank account number, Social Security number, and date of birth, even to those you consider as trusted contacts.
- Monitor credit card and bank account statements often for any unauthorized or doubtful data.
- Use unqueStrongpasswords for online accounts. Enable 2-factor authentication wherever necessary
- Carefully handle links and attachments by paying attention to emails.
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.
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.
FAQs
How to report Sassa for common scams?
Report SASSA scams through multiple channels: call the hotline (0800 60 10 11), visit your provincial SASSA office, or mail the [email protected]. Collect the information you need and be ready for the investigation.
When SASSA fraud reports must also go to SAPS?
Report SASSA fraud to SAPS if you suspect a crime, like theft from your account, card skimming, or fake beneficiaries. While SASSA handles internal issues, SAPS investigates potential criminal activity.
How do I report a person who illegally used my daughter’s ID to register for the SRD R350 grant?
Your daughter should immediately report this incident to SASSA, PostBank, or the South African Fraud Prevention Service. She can submit a completed SASSA fraud affidavit form, along with certified copies of her ID and SASSA card.