Charging a fee to help Sassa beneficiaries is illegal and fraudulent, and anyone demanding payment to ‘help’ with grant applications is likely a scammer.

Sassa confirmed that all its services are provided free of charge and any individual or entity offering to assist with social grant applications for a fee is engaging in deceptive and fraudulent behaviour that should be reported to law enforcement agencies.

Sassa national spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi says clients should always be vigilant and not entertain anyone approaching them in the streets or their home claiming to be from the agency, and asking for payments.

“We have been made aware of these unfortunate occurrences that are designed to swindle our vulnerable beneficiaries of their grant money in the name of Sassa. All our services are free of charge, not even our staff members are permitted to demand money from our clients for providing a service because they are paid already,” he emphasised.

Letsatsi called on all Sassa beneficiaries and the public to immediately report any suspicious activity involving someone purporting to be from the agency, even if it is an official trying to solicit
compensation for assisting them.

”We are committed to rooting out fraudulent practices within the social grant system, and to put an end to these activities and ensure the integrity of our services.

”We urge communities to report any illegal operations occurring at our offices to safeguard the system for the benefit of all South Africans,” added Letsatsi.

He added that Sassa can only win the fight against all forms of fraud and strengthen the integrity of the social grant system with assistance from the members of the public.

“It is our desire to ensure social grants reach those who need them most, and we will do everything in our power to root out all the bad elements in our system.”

For more information or to report suspicious activities, contact the Sassa toll-free number on 0800 60 10 11 or the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701.

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