SASSA SRD Grant status check updates fraudsters
What to do if SASSA fraudsters hijack your cellphone to try steal your grant. Image: File/Fotor

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What to do if SASSA fraudsters hijack your cellphone number

Here’s what you can do if SASSA fraudsters hijack your cellphone number and attempt to steal your monthly grant.

By Ray Leathern
17-01-24 11:22
in Business
SASSA SRD Grant status check updates fraudsters
What to do if SASSA fraudsters hijack your cellphone to try steal your grant. Image: File/Fotor

What recourse do you have if SASSA fraudsters hijack your cellphone number and attempt to reroute your monthly grant? As reported by GroundUp, Elizabeth Raiters from the social-grant helpdesk #PayTheGrants says they receive hundreds of similar complaints each month.

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The South African Social Security Agency is in the firing line in 2024 already, after suspending more than 150 000 Children’s Grants. And following the Minister’s announcement that more than R140 million has been squandered on ‘deceased’ account holders, the DA says it will act on the ‘rigged’ social grant payment system, too.

SASSA FRAUDSTERS HIJACK YOUR CELLPHONE

SASSA fraudsters hijack your cellphone
Check that SASSA fraudsters have not stolen your cellphone/ID number. Image: File

What happens if SASSA fraudsters hijack your cellphone number? Well, you will typically receive an SMS from the agency saying your cellphone number had been changed. Thereafter, to secure your account, your number will be suspended. This sort of fraud is most prevalent with the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant.

More often than not, complainants report the issue to SASSA, who say the matter has been escalated. But, in the meantime, the monthly payments dry up. SASSA’s response to an unauthorised contact-number change is to make beneficiaries phone the SASSA help desk.

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From whence they are then sent a one-time pin (OTP) to the registered cellphone number. This is, of course, futile if SASSA fraudsters hijack your cellphone, as you will be unable to authorise any changes.

ID NUMBER THEFT

UIF
Bogus employees were using the ID numbers of young R350 SRD job seekers. Image: The Spring Foundation

Just as concerning, says Raiters from #PayTheGrants, is the issue of ID numbers being duplicated. The organisation says it receives many complaints of people registering to receive SRD grants, only to have the system kick them out because their ID numbers are already in use.

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So, how do you check your SASSA SRD status and protect against SASSA fraudsters hijacking your cellphone number?

  • Go to the SASSA Status Check portal https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status.  
  • Enter your South African ID in the ID Number section.
  • Type in the cell phone number you used to submit your grant application.
  • Click on Check Now to submit.
  • You’re encouraged to check every month to ensure your account has not been compromised.
  • Grant collection dates for SASSA SRD this month range from 25-31 January 2024.

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You can also use the SASSA SRD WhatsApp Number. Message the SASSA chatbot to resolve any issues:

  • WhatsApp SASSA on 082 046 8553.
  • You can also email: srd@sassa.gov.za.
  • Dial 080 060 1011.
  • Provide your South African ID, follow the prompts, enter your ID and cell phone number to receive an OTP and updated application status.
  • You can even contact the Office of the President HERE to escalate the matter.

NEXT READ: Essential INFO regarding 2024 SASSA payment dates

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