Fake banknotes at SASSA pay-points

According to Sassa-GAUTENG spokesperson, Nandi Mosia, the two female suspects who are currently in custody and are being questioned by the police, are believed to be linked to a larger and wider criminal syndicate that specialises in defrauding the elderly at pension pay-points.

Mosia told Kathorus MAIL that several similar incidents were reported to the police in the Soshanguve, Akasia, and Ga-Rankua areas. A number of old-age pensioners in these areas were surprised when they went into shops to buy goods and were told by shop-keepers that the money they believed they had just received from Sassa was in fact fake.

“We believe the syndicate targeted pensioners after they received their pension at pay-points and fraudulently exchanged their real money for the fake Rands. Most of them only found out about this hours later when they tried to make purchases with money they thought was the same as what they were paid at the pay-point”, explained Mosia, who has urged the elderly to be vigilant on pay-days.

Asked if any cases have been reported around the Kathorus’s Sassa pay-point areas, Mosia said; “Fortunately, we have not had any such cases in any areas around Ekurhuleni for now. However, since there is a strong belief that the two arrested suspects were part of a wider network of fraudsters, one cannot dismiss the possibility of something like this happening in Kathorus or any other place in Ekurhuleni”, warned Mosia.

As a result, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has asked social grant beneficiaries who receive their grant payments at pay points, to verify their money before they leave the pay-points.

The following can be done to avoid fraudulent activities at the pay-point:

· Beneficiaries should count their money before leaving the pay-point.

· If you suspect that you have been issued fake banknotes, inform the help-desk official and open a fraud case at the South African Police Services (SAPS).

· Compare the receipt with the money received before leaving the pay-point.

· Keep the receipts safe at all times.

· Report any complaints to the help-desk official before leaving the pay-point.

· Ensure that your complaint or enquiry is resolved before you leave the pay-point.

Pensioners and grant payment beneficiaries are advised to be vigilant and to keep their cards and pin numbers safe at all times. They should not ask anyone to count their money for them.

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