Sassa ID card scam allegations
Many beneficiaries of Sassa have fallen victims of fraud after it was claimed changes had been made to Sassa cards.
The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has rejected comments regarding changes to Sassa identity cards.
This came to light after beneficiaries enquired at Sassa regional offices at the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (Nafcoc) in Soshanguve Block F following allegations of extortion.
Soshanguve and Winterveldt residents had complained about forged Sassa cards used to scam beneficiaries.
Residents told Record two females, claiming to be Sassa officials, offered their victims what they said were new Sassa cards and thereby exchanging the original card with a forged one.
The 71-year-old Mamiki Setheiso from Winderveldt had been one such victim.
“I was visited by a young woman claiming to be a Sassa official. She requested me to give her my card and said she would exchange it for a new one,” Setheiso said.
“I gave her my card without hesitating. She then asked for my pin number. I became suspicious but I was persuaded and finally gave in.”
Setheiso said she only realised her money was not paid in full after a month. R800 had been withdrawn from her account.
“I went to enquire at the Sassa offices but they told me no changes had been made to Sassa cards and I should open a case of fraud at the police station.”
At the station however, she had insufficient information to lay a charge.
Loate police said they were not aware of Sassa scams but they would launch an investigation.
Communication officer Petunia Chabangu said, “We only received a complaint from a resident of Winterveldt. We did not follow up on the case due to insufficient information. We will ask residents about the card scamming.”
“Do not be persuaded by people offering you a new card on the street. Any replacement should be done at a legitimate Sassa regional office,” said Victor Matlala, senior communication manager and marketer.
Ali Molika, a social grant agent, said they dealt with similar cases in 2014 where people were robbed of their Sassa ID cards.
Sassa card holders were urged to report fraudulent activities on 080 060 1011 (helpline) or 012 683 1904 (office).
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