When SASSA sounded the alarm this week, millions of South Africans stopped and listened.
Spokesperson Andile Tshona told reporters on that any request for payment to help file a social grant application is a scam – the service is social grant fraud free by law. The warning comes as the agency, which serves over 19 million beneficiaries, battles a surge in fraudulent schemes that prey on the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
During the past year, SASSA recorded an unprecedented 42,000 reported fraud attempts, up 18 % from 2023. In many cases, would‑be applicants were approached at community centres, churches, or even on street corners by “consultants” demanding R200‑R500 for paperwork that the agency processes at no charge.
These fraudsters often cite the biometric verification system – a legitimate tool that matches applicants’ fingerprints with national databases – as a reason why they need a middle‑man. The reality? The biometric step is part of the standard, free application process at official SASSA offices or via the online portal.
Typically, the con artists pose as “grant officers” or “social workers.” They convince elders that without their “help,” the grant will be delayed or denied. Some even produce fake identification documents to look official.
Once the payment is made, the fraudster disappears, leaving the applicant to start over at a legitimate office – a costly delay for someone who depends on the grant for food and medicine.
In a recent case from Durban, a 68‑year‑old pensioner handed over R350 after being told the fee covered a “priority biometric scan.” She later learned the scan would have been free at the nearest SASSA centre.
Applying for a social grant is straightforward:
Every step is covered by the state, and receipts are issued for all interactions – a clear sign that no hidden costs are involved.
"We hear these warnings, but the pressure on the elderly is real," said Nomsa Dlamini, director of the NGO Care for Seniors. "Education is key, but we also need more accessible SASSA outreach in townships. When people see a representative in their community, the scams lose their foothold."
Beneficiary Thabo Mokoena, a former mine worker who receives a disability grant, shared his experience: "A neighbour told me to pay a small fee for faster processing. I paid, and then I was left without any help. I wish SASSA had a clear flyer in my local hall."
In response, SASSA announced a partnership with local radio stations and community leaders to broadcast the free‑service message in all 11 provinces, starting next week.
The surge in fraud attempts underscores broader challenges: a massive beneficiary base, limited digital literacy, and uneven access to official offices. Experts warn that if unchecked, these scams could erode public trust in essential social programs.
Professor Lindiwe Kganyago of the University of Pretoria’s School of Public Policy notes, "When people start believing that the state will charge them for basic services, it undermines the legitimacy of the entire welfare system. The government must not only warn, but also proactively simplify the application journey."
In the coming months, SASSA plans to roll out mobile units equipped with biometric scanners, bringing the office directly to remote villages – a move that could cut fraud rates dramatically.
If anyone asks you to pay for a grant application, follow these steps:
Remember, the agency’s services are free – any demand for cash is a red flag.
Scammers pose as grant officers and ask applicants to pay a fee – ranging from R150 to R500 – for services that SASSA provides free of charge, such as filing forms and biometric verification.
Official offices display the SASSA logo, have a government‑issued plaque, and staff wear identifiable uniforms. The agency’s website lists all registered branches by province.
Yes. SASSA operates a 24‑hour fraud hotline (0800‑123‑456) where callers can provide details of suspicious offers. Reports are forwarded to the police and the department’s fraud unit.
No. The payment has no bearing on eligibility. However, if the fraud delays your application, you might miss the next payment cycle, which can cause temporary financial hardship.
SASSA is expanding mobile service units, launching a nationwide radio campaign, and partnering with community leaders to disseminate the free‑service message. It also intensified monitoring of reported fraud cases, leading to 154 arrests in the last quarter.
ONE AGRI
September 29, 2025 AT 19:48It pains me to see how quickly desperation can be weaponized against our own people, especially when the state itself promises free services with a solemn oath. The flood of scammers is not just a petty crime; it is a symptom of deeper socioeconomic wounds that have been ignored for too long. When a pensioner in Durban hands over R350 for a bogus “priority scan,” they are not just losing money, they are losing hope. The very fact that these fraudsters masquerade as grant officers shows how fragile the trust between citizens and institutions has become. The SASSA warning is a necessary beacon, but a beacon alone will not illuminate the darkness that has settled over many townships. Communities need to be armed with knowledge, not just a hot line number, but with on‑the‑ground education sessions. The biometric verification, which is free and secure, should be celebrated as a triumph of technology, not feared as a pretext for extortion. I recall a neighbor who was persuaded to pay a “processing fee” only to be left with an incomplete application and a bruised spirit. It is heartbreaking that the elderly, who have contributed their sweat to the nation, become prey to such vile schemes. If the government truly cares, it must deploy mobile units faster, bringing scanners to villages before scammers can infiltrate. Moreover, local leaders should be empowered to verify official SASSA offices, perhaps with visible badges that cannot be forged. The partnership with radio stations is a step forward, yet radio waves do not reach every ear in the vast rural expanses. The digital literacy gap must be bridged through school programs and community workshops, ensuring that tomorrow’s generation can safeguard their elders. Every reported fraud attempt, up 18 %, is a call to action, not a statistic to be archived. Let us not accept a society where fear of fraud eclipses the very purpose of social grants: to provide dignity. In unity, we can turn this tide, protecting the vulnerable and restoring faith in public services.