THE South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has urged social grant beneficiaries to be vigilant and ensure they don’t fall victim to fraudsters and criminals when collecting their December social grants as the festive season approaches.

Frail pensioners, disabled and other grant beneficiaries are usual targets by scammers during the this busy period.

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Some of the criminals even visit pay points and pretend to be SASSA officials offering assistance at automated teller machines (ATMs).

Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson, Captain Debbie Ferreira, said the public must exercise extra caution going into the festive season and ensure their personal identification numbers (PIN) remain confidential and other payment cards are secure to prevent people – even relatives – from accessing their accounts.

Key tips
* After collecting money at pay points, ATMs and merchants, keep it in a safe place
* Do not allow any strangers to assist you carrying your bags or withdrawing money at an ATM
* Do not use your card as security to get a loan from a money lender

For more information, contact SASSA’s toll free number on 0800 60 10 11 between 8am and 4pm during weekdays.

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