Watch out for SASSA card cons

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) warns all its beneficiaries to watch out for card scams.

Seemingly, the card cons were trying to confuse beneficiaries and informing them that cards had been changed.

SASSA Gauteng spokesperson Nandi Mosia said, “Do not be confused by people offering you any new card in the street because, any replacement should be done at a SASSA office, if necessary.”

She explained that using any other card to withdraw social grants would expose beneficiaries to unnecessary charges.

“Look after your pin and do not share it with anyone,” Mosia warned.

She indicated that social grants could be collected through different methods of payments.

“These payments are done through the use of merchants such as Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay and at SASSA pay points. Money is available for collection by beneficiaries not only on the first day but other subsequent days as well,” SASSA spokesperson assured the beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the agency had also intensified its security measures at all pay points in the Gauteng Province to ensure safety of the beneficiaries when collecting their money.

“It has always been a standard practice to allocate armed security guards at SASSA pay points in Gauteng,” she concluded.

Two councillors shared their views on the SASSA security problems:

Ward 96 councillor Matome Mofokwane said most pay points in his ward were not vulnerable to robbery incidents. “We hope it stays the same. Many pensioners are vulnerable and our government must increase security,” Mofokwane concluded.

Ward 126 committee member Jan Bonderheyee said safety at the pay points was a not major problem in the area.

“Most pensioners are vulnerable and targets of the robbers, but given the level of income to most of our residents those incidents were not likely to occur in our area,” Bonderheyee said.

Details: SASSA Gauteng 011 241 8326; Ward 96 councillor Matome Mofokwane 0084 854 0950.

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