MORE than 60 pensioners were hoodwinked by a young man who took their SASSA pin numbers with the promise that the Democratic Alliance (DA) would give them food parcels.
The pensioners allege that the man came to them and said they needed to give their SASSA card pin numbers to him because in return the local DA would give them food parcels the very next day. “We reluctantly gave him the pin numbers because we thought he was genuine, he lives in the area. About 60 of us gave him our pin numbers. Now between R100 to R500 is missing from our grants,” explained Neville Swinburne from Thelma Court.
One pensioner lost a total of R1 400.
DA ward 55 Clr Rashieda Landis flatly denied the validity of the young man’s story. “As the DA we would never do this. It is a scam and I urge every pensioner not to give anyone their SASSA pin numbers. It is supposed to be their secret. The man in question was last seen in Nola Court. Apparently he is from Eldorado Park and is wanted for similar actions there. He is a wanted man.”
SAPS officers were seen taking the pensioners’ statements.
In July during a a meeting between SASSA Gauteng regional executive manager, Themba Matlou and the media, Matlou reiterated that SASSA cards belong to the intended beneficiary. No one except the beneficiary is allowed to use it, unless the beneficiary has authorised another individual to use the SASSA card.
Any queries regarding SASSA cards and their services can be directed to 0800 60 10 11.
