How to Report SASSA Frauds & Secure Your Grant in 2025

If you’ve been a victim of SASSA fraud or suspect fraudulent activity, it’s important to act swiftly to protect your grant and financial security. 

Whether someone has applied for the SRD R350 grant using your details or fraudulently received your grant payment, reporting the incident promptly to SASSA is essential to block the fraudsters and regain control. 

Shockingly, over 39,645 public servants have been implicated in fraudulent activities, resulting in more than R141 million paid to deceased beneficiaries in the past three years. 

To assist you in safeguarding your grant access and understanding potential compromises of your information, I’ve developed a comprehensive guide. 

In this article, I’ll outline the immediate steps you should take if someone else has applied for your SRD R350 grant or if your phone number has been changed without your knowledge.

Staying aware of various tactics scammers employ to gain access to your data and compromise your grant security is important. 

Beware of Fake SMS and Emails: 

Scammers often send messages or emails pretending to be from SASSA. They create a sense of urgency, claiming your grant is at risk or needs verification. These messages may contain links or requests for personal information, which can lead to identity theft or financial loss.

Watch Out for Phishing Websites: 

Scammers create fake websites resembling SASSA’s official platform. They aim to trick you into entering your login credentials or personal details. Always double-check the website’s authenticity before sharing any sensitive information.

Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Phone Calls: 

Scammers may impersonate SASSA officials over the phone, asking for personal information or PINs. Genuine SASSA representatives wouldn’t request such details over the phone. Verify the caller’s identity if you’re unsure.

Avoid Illegal Loan Offers: 

Some scammers offer loans to grant recipients, using their SASSA cards as collateral. They may withdraw grant payments or impose hefty repayment fees, trapping beneficiaries in debt. Remember, it’s illegal for anyone to hold your SASSA card as collateral.

Protect Yourself from Card Stealing and Swapping: 

Scammers may observe you at ATMs or pay points, offering fake assistance or swapping your card with a lookalike to steal your information. Always cover your PIN and avoid accepting help from strangers.

Verify the Identity of SASSA Representatives: 

If someone claims to represent SASSA and requests personal information or meetings, verify their identity through official channels. Genuine SASSA officials would provide proper verification channels for beneficiaries’ peace of mind.

Exercise Caution with Offers of Assistance: 

Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance, especially through messaging platforms like WhatsApp. Scammers may aim to obtain personal details to exploit your grant funds. Only share information through official channels.

Beware of Fake Job Offers: 

Scammers may advertise fake job opportunities at SASSA, requiring applicants to pay upfront fees. Legitimate SASSA job opportunities wouldn’t demand payment, so be cautious of such offers.

Never Share Personal Details: 

Lastly, never share personal information unless you’re certain of its legitimacy. If you’re unsure about a communication or offer, verify it directly with SASSA to avoid falling prey to scams.

When it comes to dealing with SASSA fraud, acting fast is key. If you’ve been scammed and someone has messed with your grant, don’t panic. Here’s what you need to do, step by step.

Step 1: Report the Fraud Directly to SASSA

First things first, report the fraud straight to SASSA. You can give them a call on their helpline at 0800 60 10 11 or swing by your nearest SASSA office in person. 

When you call have your ID number, registered phone number, and any docs related to the scam. SASSA’s team will check who you are and then jump into action to stop those scammers and assist you in getting things back on track.

If you decide to go to a SASSA office in person, make sure you bring your ID card along and be ready to share your registered phone number. They will double-check your identity before doing anything else, to ensure it’s you. 

Whether you report the fraud over the phone or face-to-face, SASSA will need to verify that you’re the rightful grant recipient. It’s a standard procedure to make sure they’re taking the right steps to keep your grant safe.

Once you report the fraud to SASSA, they will let you know what to do next to keep those scammers from messing with your money. Keeping their lead will help you get things back to normal quickly.

Step 2: Report the Fraud to the Post Office

After reporting the fraud to SASSA, it’s crucial to make sure both your SASSA card and banking details are safe. If both are at risk, it’s important to also report the fraud to the Post Office to protect your money.

Before reporting to the Post Office, gather necessary documents like a completed SASSA fraud affidavit form, a copy of your ID card, and a copy of your SASSA card.

You can get the SASSA fraud affidavit form from any SASSA office or Post Office branch. This form helps formally declare the fraud and starts actions against the scammer.

Once you have the documents, submit them to the Post Office. You can do this by visiting a branch or emailing them at [email protected]. After getting your report, Post Bank will quickly act to stop the scammer’s access to your account. This prevents more unauthorized transactions or misuse of your money.

Throughout the process, Post Bank will guide and support you to secure your grant and resolve the fraud. Following their instructions carefully helps keep your money safe.

Step 3: Report the Scam to the South African Police Service (SAPS)

Go to your nearby police station and tell them about the fraud. Give them all the info you have, like what went down, who was part of it, and any proof you have. You can find the closest police stations on the SAPS website to make it easier.

Step 4: Contact the National Anti-Corruption Hotline

You can also report fraud through the National Anti-Corruption Hotline by dialing 0800 701 701. Managed by the Public Service Commission, this hotline specializes in handling corruption and fraud complaints. It’s another option if your previous reports didn’t get the results you needed.

When reporting fraud, give as much detail as possible to help investigations. Include things like when and where it happened and any evidence you have. Make sure to use official SASSA contact information and authorized reporting channels to protect your sensitive information.

After reporting the fraud, consider following up on your report to make sure it’s being taken seriously and investigated properly. This proactive approach helps ensure the fraud is addressed promptly.

Reporting fraud quickly is important to prevent further harm and protect others from falling victim to the same scams. By acting fast and using official reporting channels, you help keep social security systems safe and protect vulnerable people from being taken advantage of.

After dealing with the complexities of preventing and reporting SASSA fraud, it’s crucial to understand the importance of acting quickly and being proactive to protect your grant and finances. 

By reporting any fraudulent activities promptly to SASSA, the Post Office, SAPS, and the National Anti-Corruption Hotline, you not only keep your own money safe but also help maintain the integrity of the social security system and protect others from being taken advantage of. 

Remember, each step, from reporting the fraud to following up on your report, is vital in ensuring that fraud is dealt with effectively. By staying alert and using the official reporting channels, we can all work together to fight corruption and scams, creating a safer environment for everyone who receives grants.