Social Media Scare: Financial providers accused of ripping off SASSA pensioners

Share the Article:

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says it is aware of a social media video from a political party alleging that financial service providers are illegally deducting money from pensioners’ accounts.

According to reports, two individuals claim they were approached by people posing as representatives from Clientele Life Insurance and an IFA.

Scammers allegedly promised food vouchers and benefits, tricking victims into sharing personal data, leading to unauthorised account deductions.

SASSA CEO Themba Matlou revealed allegations suggest SASSA officials are involved.

However, he strongly distanced SASSA from the mentioned acts and refuted allegations that their officials were involved, asserting that their systems prevent such practices.

“The Agency’s name should not be associated with people not at employ or operating on behalf of SASSA. We urge grant beneficiaries not to share personal details with anyone claiming to be from SASSA to avoid scams,” he stated.

ALSO READ | Critical: Don’t ignore your SASSA social grant review notifications

Matlou advised beneficiaries to be careful who they share their personal details with, especially their banking details.

“We always conduct beneficiary education for all our beneficiaries on the processes of SASSA and, more importantly, on how to protect personal information,” added Matlou.

The CEO expressed deep sympathy for victims of scams and emphasised that SASSA does not support individuals exploiting vulnerable people.

Disputing social grant deductions

He continued, “Clients with unauthorised social grant deductions for funeral policies seeking to dispute them should immediately send an SMS containing their identity number and the financial services provider’s name to 34548.

“If SASSA does not make the deduction, and it appears as a direct debit order on the client’s bank statement, the client must contact their bank to dispute the transaction.

“If they are not able to resolve the matter with the service provider who has actioned the debit order, the client can then approach the National Financial Ombuds Scheme.”