The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reacted swiftly to assure its beneficiaries that the gold payment card is still valid, to avoid panic after fake news circulated about them.
“Beneficiaries must not panic or succumb to the hijacking by scammers and circulating fake news that the card will expire in April 2023,” it said.
SASSA gold cards are authentic and can be used at Postbank, ATM’s and merchants.
“Beneficiaries are encouraged to provide their private bank accounts to SASSA as another option for safe easy payment. SASSA will in due course communicate changes if there are any.
“Fraudsters who pretend to be SASSA officials and target old people and people living with a disability must be immediately reported to the local police,” said SASSA.
The agency provides financial support to millions of South Africans who need the money to survive and pay for critical needs like medication, food and child expenses.
It plays a crucial role in the social support and development of the country, making the fake news about its services very serious and potentially damaging.
This week SASSA warned of new fake WhatsApp messages claiming grant beneficiaries can apply for a R700 grant online without going to a SASSA office.
“It’s the quickest way to apply for all bona fide citizens only who needs helping hands in their various activities [sic],” reads the WhatsApp message doing the rounds.
SASSA said applicants can only apply online for a SASSA grant because they have to collect the form, and the grant amount has not been increased.
A SASSA spokesperson told Times Live: “SASSA requests clients to be vigilant about misleading information, scammers and fraudsters who want to take advantage of the vulnerable and other recipients.”
Source: Times Live, IOL, South African Government, Sunday World, image from Twitter: @luthuli_news