New SASSA scam detected in Khayelitsha
The Western Cape Department of Social Development has been alerted to a new scam involving social grant recipients residing mostly in Khayelitsha.
The department has immediately requested the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the national entity responsible for the administration of social grants, to investigate this matter and protect grant recipients.
The scam has allegedly involved SASSA clients being called by individuals claiming to be representatives of the provincial department or SASSA, asking them to “validate” their personal information, including the digits on their SASSA cards.
The department would like to alert the public to this scam, and we urge people not to give over their personal information to unsolicited callers claiming to be from either SASSA or the Department of Social Development.
The department holds a zero tolerance view to the abuse of social grant recipients, and the leaking of their information to third parties. We will assist the SASSA in their investigation of this matter, with the view of bringing all those involved to face the full might of the law.
Residents with any information or who have received suspicious calls, can contact any of the departments Regional Offices, or call our hotline on 0800 220 250. Alternatively, residents can report any suspicious activity to SASSA’s corruption line on 0800 60 10 11. We can only bring an end to the abuse of social grant recipients if we work, ‘Better Together’.
Media enquiries:
MEC Albert Fritz
Cell: 083 307 0192
Sihle Ngobese
Spokesperson for MEC Albert Fritz
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 083 280 9199
E-mail: Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za
