Watch out for this sms · impersonating SASSA
Reaches you by sms · Web & social · 1d ago
The trick it’s trying
Updated SASSA fact-check warns that SMS messages telling beneficiaries to click a link to verify a grant, update details or claim a payout are phishing.
Smishing messages impersonate SASSA and tell recipients to click a link to verify their grant, update details or claim a payout; the link can harvest ID numbers, passwords and banking details or install malware.
More scams impersonating SASSA
SASSA fact-check warns about viral posts/forwards claiming a fake SRD increase, including R450 or R700 amounts. These messages are used to drive users to fake application, verification or update processes.
SASSA fact-check warns about fake SASSA home visits, where people claim a SASSA officer will visit to update details, check a grant or replace a card. The warning says genuine officers do not ask for cards, PINs or banking passwords.
SASSA fact-check warns about callers pretending to be SASSA agents and asking for the OTP sent to the victim's phone to 'verify' the account. Sharing the OTP can let criminals access banking or grant-related services.
SASSA fact-check warns about WhatsApp messages claiming to be SASSA agents or official numbers for SRD applications/status fixes. The scam asks beneficiaries for ID numbers, banking details, OTPs or PINs over WhatsApp.
Recent SASSA fact-check warns about SMS phishing links saying 'click this link to verify your SASSA grant', 'update your details' or 'claim your payout'. It says SASSA does not send SMS messages with clickable links asking users to verify, log in or update details.
SASSA fact-check lists a fake SASSA-looking online portal format. The scam relies on a government-sounding domain and SASSA branding to convince beneficiaries to apply, verify details or pay fees outside official channels.
sassa-online[.]za