Social grant beneficiaries must be vigilant during festive season

 The South African Social Security Agency(SASSA) is urging all social grant beneficiaries to be vigilant when they collect their monthly social grant payments.

It is important for beneficiaries to ensure that they don’t fall victim to criminals who normally pose as SASSA officials. According to a statement by the agency, pensioners and other grant beneficiaries are being targeted by thugs and scammers during the festive season.

Fraudsters may offer assistance targeting mostly senior citizens and people living with disabilities. All beneficiaries must ensure that they keep their pin codes and cards secured. Vulnerable pensioners must be careful of not being deceived by relatives, their children or micro loan companies because they can withdraw the money.

If  beneficiaries have forgotten the pin code, they must go to the nearest SASSA office to reset it. If your card is lost or stolen you must immediately call the Help Desk at 0800 600 160 to stop the card.

Also read: Who qualifies for social grants

What beneficiaries must remember:

1) 1) After collecting the money at the pay point or withdrawing from the ATM, make sure you place your cash in a safe place.
2) Do not allow any strangers to assist you.
3) Do not use Identity Document or SASSA payment card as security to get a loan from any money sharks.

For more information contact SASSA toll free number: 0800 60 10 11 from 08:00 – 16:00 during weekdays.

Also read: Needy parents urged to apply for grants