Sassa scam alert: ‘Postbank will never ask you for your card PIN’

Postbank has issued a stern warning to South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) beneficiaries following a surge in fraud scams targeting those who use Postbank black cards and Sassa gold cards.

Postbank on Friday said that fraudsters have been impersonating its officials and visiting beneficiaries at home to steal their cards and PINs.

Scammers targeting homes

According to the bank, the scam reportedly involves criminals pretending to be Postbank employees, sometimes wearing branded clothing or arriving in marked vehicles, to deceive beneficiaries.

Victims are reportedly told their cards need to be “fixed” or risk losing future grant payments if they do not comply.

“Beneficiaries are then duped into handing over their Postbank grant cards and PIN information,” Postbank said.

It further confirmed that there is “nothing that requires fixing on any of its black cards and Sassa gold cards” and that both will continue to be valid for grant payments beyond 31 May 2025.

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No home visits without request

Postbank reminded beneficiaries that it does not conduct unsolicited home visits.

“Postbank will never visit your home unless you have requested that through the necessary home visits channels,” it said.

It also stressed that “Postbank will never ask you for your card PIN as that is against banking rules.”

Beneficiaries are urged never to share their PINs, even with someone claiming to be a Postbank official.

What to do if approached

In addition, the bank advises beneficiaries to adhere to the following when approached by fraudsters:

• Quietly alert neighbours and the community
• Contact the police immediately
• Report the incident to Postbank at 0800 53 54 55

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Card safety tips

Beneficiaries should memorise their PINs and avoid writing them down, especially not in the same place as their card.

Postbank also cautioned against being persuaded to switch to other bank payment methods.

“They should not listen to anyone that tells them to change their Sassa gold cards or Postbank black cards to other banks’ payment methods, even if advised to do so by government officials,” the statement read.

Postbank reaffirmed its commitment to keeping grant payments safe and accessible.

“Postbank is committed to protecting its social grant customers while offering them safe, secure and convenient ways of accessing their social grant payments.”

Beneficiaries with queries can contact the Postbank call centre on 0800 53 54 55.

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