Social grant beneficiaries have been warned to protect their cards and PINs after cases of grants being withdrawn fraudulently were reported.
The South African social security agency (Sassa) spokesperson Senzeni Ngubeni said the agency had received numerous complaints of cases where beneficiaries had lost their cards and sometimes their benefits as well.
“Beneficiaries must note that no person can withdraw their money without their consent, unless provided with a PIN and the card,” said Ngubeni.
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He said sharing PINs with family members or random strangers was asking for trouble as it could result in a loss of monies which would lead to hardship.
“Those who are accessing their social grants at ATMs must ensure that they observe their surroundings and move away if the machine seems suspicious.”
Ngubeni said suspicious ATM machines were often poorly lit.
He also warned that beneficiaries should not seek assistance from strangers.
“After a transaction is complete beneficiaries must put cash, card and receipt away immediately.”
He said Sassa discouraged the counting of money at ATMs. Beneficiaries should count their money in a safe place or later, and always keep their receipt safe.
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Ngubeni said beneficiaries should always memorise their PINs and insert their cards themselves.
“Beneficiaries are discouraged to write down their PIN as it poses a risk should the beneficiary misplace the card. The agency would like to encourage old age grant beneficiaries to access their social grant at the nearest South African post office.”
He urged beneficiaries not to hesitate to report any fraud or corruption cases at a police station nearest to them.
“Working together with beneficiaries, Sassa will be able to fight fraud and corruption successfully.”
Beneficiaries seeking more information should contact 0800-601-011 from 08:00-16:00 on week days.
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