SASSA flags new R700 grant scam sweeping social media
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned the public about a fake message circulating on social media
Image: File
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has warned the public about a fake message circulating on social media claiming that applications are open for a new R700 grant in 2026.
This comes following the circulation of a message, widely shared on messaging platforms and X, which urges people to “register now” through an unofficial link, and which claims that hundreds of thousands of South Africans will receive payments.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), SASSA said the information is false and does not come from the agency.
"FAKE NEWS ALERT. Please note that the message below is fake and does not come from SASSA," the agency posted on X.
The warning comes amid a mushrooming of scams in the past year, with fraudulent messages increasingly targeting personal information such as ID numbers and banking details.
Last year, IOL also reported that SASSA moved to calm the nerves of millions of social grant beneficiaries following the circulation of a fake video on social media, which "falsely claims that all recipients must re-register or risk losing their grants".
The warning came after a video claiming that SASSA was implementing a mass re-registration process and threatening the suspension of grants went viral, sparking confusion among vulnerable recipients.
"A video circulating on social media is spreading false and misleading information about SASSA social grants, claiming that all beneficiaries must re-register or risk losing their grants. This is NOT TRUE and does NOT come from SASSA."
"Your social grant is safe. There is no mass re-registration or system overhaul. SASSA is not suspending any grants. Please do not believe or share this fake video. Always rely on SASSA’s official platforms for accurate information."
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