THE advertisement of South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) cards being sold on social media is of great concern to the agency.
Sassa and the South African Post Office are currently working with the police to get to the bottom of this matter and are following leads that could result in the arrest of the mastermind behind this scam.
It’s believed that the stolen cards are sold for different amounts by the scammers.
Sassa’s acting CEO Abraham Mahlangu said: “These stolen cards were immediately deactivated and are worthless so the public is warned not to be tempted to try and buy them as they are useless.”
He added: “No grants can be drawn from the stolen cards and anyone buying them stands to lose out. If caught you may be charged with possession of stolen property.”
Beneficiaries are reminded that Sassa services are free and not for sale. They are also advised to refrain from sending their ID numbers, PINS and Sassa card numbers to strangers as these are part of the scams to defraud them.
Sassa maintains that selling of Sassa cards is illegal and a crime.
Beneficiaries are urged to report such incidents to the police or alert Sassa.
Sassa officials will never ask for money to issue a Sassa card. Beneficiaries are reminded to keep their PINs secret and not to disclose their card and ID numbers at all.
Beneficiaries of social grants are advised to be extra vigilant as there are many fraudsters who will target the innocent and vulnerable. Beneficiaries should call Sassa on 0800601011 whenever they are offered any service relating to social grants for money no matter how little the charge could be. Sassa is not involved in any other business except the payment of social grants.
*Issued by Sassa
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