Sassa warns against fake WhatsApp messages targeting grant beneficiaries

Dhivana Rajgopaul|Published 4 months ago

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is warning social grant beneficiaries about WhatsApp scam. File Picture

THE South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) is warning South Africans about fake WhatsApp messages that are being to them.

The Department of Social Development entity said that people should be a aware of fake messages that include Sassa OTP codes that are being sent via WhatsApp.

According to Sassa, the agency does not send OTP codes for the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant via WhatsApp.

Sassa said that if people receive a message like this, it is likely a scam.

People are urged to stay vigilant and they must avoid sharing their personal information.

Please beware of the below fake message. SASSA does NOT send OTP codes for the COVID-19 SRD via Whatsapp. If you receive a message like this, it is likely a scam. Stay vigilant and don’t share your personal information. #SASSACARES @The_DSD @nda_rsa @GCISMedia @GovernmentZA pic.twitter.com/AjsDunRzyq
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) October 31, 2024

Sassa payment dates

Last week, Sassa revealed that the grant payment dates for the month of November.

– Older person’s grants: The older person’s grants will be paid from Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This includes any grants linked to these accounts.

– Disability grants: From Wednesday, November 6, 2024 disability grants will be paid including any grants linked to these accounts.

– Children’s grants: Children’s grants will be paid from Thursday, November 7, 2024.

According to Sassa, there is no need to rush to withdraw the cash, because once the money is in the account, it will remain there until it is needed.

Grant increases

Sassa has announced increases in the social grant effective from October 2024.

According to Sassa, the old age grant (below 75 years) increased from R2,180 to R2,190 while old age grant (above 75 years) increased from R2,200 to R2,210.

The war veterans grant increased from R2,200 to R2,210, the disability grant increased from R2,180 to R2,190 and the are dependency grant increased from R2,180 to R2,190.

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