Card fraud leaves Stephen penniless
To report card fraud, the beneficiary should take their ID document to the Post Office where they will be assisted in completing an affidavit.
A disabled man has been left distraught after a thief plundered his South African Social Security Agency, SASSA, grant.
Stephen Harris (52), who cannot walk, relies on his sister, Charlene, to collect his monthly grant. However, when Charlene went to withdraw his money on April 4, his card was declined. Bewildered, Charlene went to the SASSA offices where she was told that the money had already been withdrawn on April 2. Charlene told the Courier they were advised to go to the Post Office. “When we got there we were told that my brother’s card had been cancelled and a new one issued. My question was by whom because my brother never received the new card. This is an inside job. The most frustrating thing is that my brother is dependent on his grant money,” said Charlene.
Frustrated and confused Stephen still does not understand how this happened. “I still cannot believe that this happened to me. How can someone steal my grant money? How do I prevent this from happening again? I have no money to get by and I am not even sure if I will get it next month.
“This must be happening to a lot of other grant recipients and I just hope and pray that it gets sorted out soon”.
Mbizeni Mdlalose, a SASSA official, responded to queries, saying that “Mr Harris’ case is still being investigated as only selected officials have the authority to cancel a grant.’
“The investigation may take a month or more since there are various role players involved. However, Mr Harris will be reimbursed as soon as the investigation is finalised and we know who is responsible if the fault is on our side. Grant recipients must keep their cards in a safe place and always utilise SASSA offices and report whenever they have issues regarding their grants and payments. “Lastly, a case must be opened and an affidavit compiled which must state that they did not withdraw the money, where the money was withdrawn, the amount and take that affidavit to SASSA, together with the case number.”
Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA’s national spokesperson, added that in the ‘event of card fraud, the genuine beneficiary is reimbursed by SASSA for any loss once this has been confirmed through an investigation.’
“To report card fraud, the beneficiary should take their ID document to the Post Office where they will be assisted in completing an affidavit. There is no beneficiary who will not receive a grant they are entitled to, due to a fraud they didn’t partake in. The payment will be backdated to the month the error or fraudulent transaction occurred.”
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at dundee.courier@caxton.co.za. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394.
