Listen to the article
In a stern warning issued today, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has denounced a fraudulent message circulating widely on social media platforms that falsely claims applications are open for a new R700 grant scheduled for 2026.
The deceptive message, which has gained traction on messaging platforms and X (formerly Twitter), encourages citizens to “register now” through an unauthorized link, promising payments to hundreds of thousands of South Africans. SASSA has categorically dismissed these claims.
“FAKE NEWS ALERT. Please note that the message below is fake and does not come from SASSA,” the agency stated firmly in an official post on X, urging the public to remain vigilant against such scams.
This latest fraud attempt occurs amid a concerning rise in social grant scams targeting vulnerable South Africans over the past year. Fraudsters have increasingly focused on harvesting sensitive personal information, including identification numbers and banking details, putting grant recipients at risk of identity theft and financial loss.
Social grants form a crucial safety net for millions of South Africans, with SASSA distributing various forms of financial aid to elderly citizens, disabled persons, and families with children. The agency’s grant system represents one of the country’s most extensive social welfare programs, making it an attractive target for scammers.
This is not the first time SASSA has had to address misinformation campaigns. Last year, the agency moved to reassure millions of beneficiaries following the circulation of another fake video that falsely claimed all recipients needed to re-register or face losing their grants. The video triggered widespread panic among vulnerable communities who rely on these payments for basic necessities.
At that time, SASSA issued a clear statement: “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.”
The agency further emphasized that beneficiaries’ grants remained secure, noting, “Your social grant is safe. There is no mass re-registration or system overhaul. SASSA is not suspending any grants.”
Cybersecurity experts have noted that social welfare programs worldwide have become increasingly targeted during economic downturns, with fraudsters exploiting public anxiety about financial security. These scams typically employ urgent messaging and tight deadlines to pressure victims into sharing personal information or clicking malicious links before they can properly verify the information.
South African authorities have repeatedly advised citizens to verify all grant-related information through official SASSA channels only, including the agency’s official website, verified social media accounts, and toll-free helpline.
SASSA typically communicates major changes to grant programs through multiple official channels, including mainstream media, with ample notice to beneficiaries. The agency never requests sensitive information through social media links or requires recipients to “register” through third-party websites.
Beneficiaries concerned about the status of their grants are encouraged to contact SASSA directly through verified contact numbers or visit their nearest SASSA office rather than responding to messages received through social media or messaging platforms.
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the source of these fraudulent communications as part of broader efforts to combat cyber fraud targeting social welfare programs in South Africa.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
11 Comments
It’s disheartening to see scammers exploit SASSA’s social grant programs. I appreciate the agency’s transparency in calling out this fake R700 message to protect the public.
Yes, the proliferation of social media scams targeting social services is concerning. SASSA’s swift response is crucial to safeguarding citizens.
It’s disheartening to see fraudsters exploiting social grants, a crucial lifeline for many South Africans. I hope the public heeds SASSA’s warning and avoids falling victim to this scam.
Yes, it’s crucial that vulnerable populations are not further taken advantage of. Kudos to SASSA for calling out this deception quickly.
Social media has become a prime avenue for these types of exploitative scams. I’m glad SASSA is actively working to debunk false claims and safeguard the integrity of their programs.
Absolutely. Maintaining public trust in essential social services is critical, so SASSA’s swift action is commendable.
Scams targeting the vulnerable are truly despicable. I’m glad SASSA is quickly warning the public about this fraudulent R700 grant message. Staying vigilant against such deception is so important.
Agreed, these types of social media scams can do real harm. SASSA’s swift response is commendable in protecting grant recipients.
SASSA’s warning about this R700 grant scam is a timely reminder to be vigilant against deceptive claims on social media. Protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation should be a top priority.
This is a concerning trend of scammers targeting social grant programs. SASSA’s transparency in exposing the fake R700 message is the right approach to protect citizens.
Fraudulent schemes like this R700 grant scam undermine the vital role that SASSA plays in supporting vulnerable South Africans. I hope the public heeds this warning to avoid falling victim.