Reaches you by sms · Public web warning · 11 Oct
SASSA beneficiaries are being targeted around October payment dates with fake SMS/WhatsApp/social messages from personal numbers, fake links, payment-speed-up offers, and requests for PINs, passwords or OTPs.
Scammers send messages about SASSA pay dates or grant problems, ask for bank PIN/password/OTP, link to non-official sites, or offer to speed up payment for a fee. They may also use WhatsApp groups claiming everyone gets the same payment date.
SASSA-themed fake job postings are being used to target job seekers, asking for upfront registration/training/processing fees, copies of IDs or banking details before any real interview.
Different pages, same playbook — matched by what they do, not just the brand.
A viral false claim says people qualify for a SASSA small-business grant of R150,000, R250,000 or R350,000 and should apply now. The source says SASSA does not issue business grants.
Updated 6 October 2026: fake SASSA WhatsApp numbers claim they can process SRD applications or fix grant status, then ask for ID numbers, banking details, OTPs, or PINs.