SASSA automatically cancelling SRD grants where they suspect fraud
The South African Social Security Agency is clamping down on fraud with the COVID-19 social relief of distress grants.
A South African Social Security Agency office in Pretoria. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News
SASSA is automatically cancelling COVID-19 SRD grants where they suspect fraud.
This comes after it was discovered that thousands of ID numbers were fraudulently used to claim grants.
Any beneficiaries suspected of fraud will automatically have their grant suspended until they can verify their identities on the electronic system.
However, Ground Up reports that SASSA’s 'Electronic Know Your Client' system has also been suspended, making it extremely difficult for beneficiaries to verify their identity.
If an applicant checks their status and it states ‘referred’ it means their account is being investigated for suspected fraud.
In these cases, the beneficiary must immediately contact the agency to resolve the case.
SASSA is also urging any beneficiaries or applicants who suspect fraudulent activity to contact SASSA’s toll-free line or WhatsApp.
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They also warn beneficiaries not to regularly change banking details or contact numbers as this will delay the payment process.
For more information contact SASSA’s toll-free line on 0800 60 10 11 or [013] 754 – 9428/9363 during working hours, or WhatsApp them on 082 046 8553.
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