Alberton Record reports that it has been made aware of a group of insurance consultants operating in parts of the Johannesburg South area, targeting old age homes and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) pensioners.

These consultants specifically go to old age homes claiming to be from one of South Africa’s major insurance companies, and they sign unsuspecting SASSA pensioners up for unwanted cover.

“They were let in by the security and told us about various insurance products their employer offers. They took my personal details down, I did not consent to them signing me up,” said a pensioner who wants to remain anonymous.

“The reason I gave them my personal details is that I thought it was part of the process for them to do so when trying to sign clients up. They didn’t tell me they are actually signing me up.

“I only realised this when I received an SMS from the insurance company informing me that a policy under my name has been set up,” added the pensioner.

There have been growing concerns over the years about the deduction of SASSA beneficiaries’ funds either by the agency itself or third parties like insurance companies.

Addressing the issue, SASSA released a statement last year, saying: “SASSA is warning all beneficiaries that it does not offer financial services such as funeral cover or loans. The agency advises beneficiaries to consult with SASSA officials when in doubt before signing any agreements.”

The agency also said beneficiaries must visit their local offices or use SASSA’s official communication platforms, which include its website, social media, email and telephone to report unwanted insurance covers.

Old age homes are also urged to protect vulnerable pensioners against shady insurance consultants who prey on unsuspecting senior citizens living in their care.

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