SASSA warns beneficiaries against fake officials charging fees for grant applications

Mapaballo Borotho

SASSA has warned beneficiaries to beware of people posing as officials charging fees for grant applications.
The agency stressed that all SASSA services are free of charge.
It urged the public to report suspicious activity to help fight corruption and protect vulnerable beneficiaries.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned its beneficiaries of people who go around claiming to be SASSA employees assisting them with grant applications at a fee.

“We would like to advise our beneficiaries and those who would like to apply for SASSA services that all SASSA services are provided free of charge,” the statement from the agency read on Monday.

SASSA clarified that any individual or entity offering to assist with social grant applications for a fee is engaging in deceptive and fraudulent behaviour.

“Clients should always be vigilant and never entertain any person approaching them in the streets or their home claiming to be from the agency and requiring compensation. We have been aware of the occurrences that are designed to swindle the vulnerable beneficiaries of their grant money in the name of SASSA.”

The agency called on members of the public to report any suspicious activity involving someone claiming to be from SASSA, even if it’s an official trying to solicit funds.

“SASSA can only win the fight against corruption and strengthen the integrity of the social grant systems with the assistance of the members of the public”.