Social grant beneficiaries are being warned to be vigilant concerning any suspicious activity in relation to their cards or accounts.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued an alert, urging beneficiaries to be aware of ‘social grant gold payment card fraud’.
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This could relate to unauthorised use of the beneficiary’s card or cash withdrawals.
SASSA spokesperson Senzeni Ngubeni emphasises that should any suspicious activity be noted, it is essential that it be reported immediately to the nearest SASSA office.
“Upon visiting the nearest offices, beneficiaries must produce an Identity Document (ID), social grant gold payment card, proof of residence and affidavit confirming the correctness of personal details,” explains Mr Ngubeni.
“The affidavit must declare and confirm that the unlawful transaction or withdrawal was not committed by the beneficiary or rightful owner of the payment card. If the beneficiary receives a social grant payment through a personal bank account, he or she must bring along proof of banking details,” he adds.
The department stresses that social grant beneficiaries are responsible for safeguarding the payment cards and pin codes, and should avoid throwing away slips that contain personal information fraudsters can use to access money in the account.
“Beneficiaries have a right to change their password at SASSA offices or South African Post Offices when suspecting that the pin code has been compromised or no longer a secret,” advises Mr Ngubeni.
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