Sassa scam called out
The Department of Social Development addressed a new Sassa scam yesterday, clarifying whether gold cards will be replaced.
A report in The Citizen notes that the agency noted with the concern ‘social media reports’ which ‘caused panic among grant recipients’.
Beneficiaries were led to believe they would not receive grant payouts during December if they don’t replace their Sassa gold cards.
The hoax message reads: ‘All grant recipients with Post Office cards must attend at Sassa offices to be issued with a new card otherwise they won’t receive the December payment.’
The scammers urged beneficiaries to ‘please post to all community chats, announce in church, etc’.
Another version of the fake update claimed the Sassa gold cards ‘are now going to be erased with immediate effect’.
Beneficiaries were told to provide proof of their account, as well as certified copies of identity documents.
Sassa said these claims are false.
The department said: ‘The Sassa gold card remains valid and acceptable on the National Payment System, including ATMs and at retailers.’
Sassa said any updates regarding the status of cards or grant payouts will be communicated through official channels, through the media and Sassa officials.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
