False R700 Grant Claim Alert: SASSA Issues Official Warning

In March 2025, social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook were flooded with messages falsely claiming that every South African was eligible for a new R700 grant. These messages included fake application links designed to steal personal and banking information.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has officially declared these messages a scam and urged citizens to avoid engaging with them.

Key Highlights of the Scam

How the Scam Operates

These scams work by triggering urgency and hope among vulnerable people:

• Claims that “all citizens qualify for R700.”

• Redirect users to fake websites mimicking SASSA’s branding.

• Ask users to fill in personal and bank details.

• Encourage sharing with others to increase the spread.

• Use fake success stories or “testimonials” to look credible.

SASSA’s Official Statement on the R700 Scam

SASSA emphasized:

“There is no such R700 grant being issued. Citizens should only rely on verified information from our official website or toll-free number.”

They advised the public to:

• Always double-check URLs.

• Avoid third-party websites and messages.

• Report any suspicious communication.

Why These Scams Are Effective

These scams are widespread because they prey on emotion and financial desperation.

Psychological triggers:

• Urgency: “Limited time grant.”

• Trust: “Shared by friends or family.”

• Authority: Use of SASSA’s logo and wording.

Mimicry tactics:

• URLs that closely resemble government sites.

• Fake comment sections claiming success.

• Design that mimics official portals.

How to Stay Safe from Grant Scams

1. Verify the Source

• Only use official channels:

  • Website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za

  • SASSA Hotline: 0800 60 10 11

2. Never Share Personal Information

• Do not enter ID numbers, banking info, or passwords on suspicious websites.

• Never send documents to unverified platforms.

3. Check the URL

• Official government domains always end in .gov.za.

• Look for HTTPS and a lock icon in the browser bar.

4. Report and Educate

• Report suspicious links to:

  • SAPS (South African Police Service)

  • SASSA

• Share information with family, elders, and less tech-savvy individuals.

5. Know Legitimate Grants Here’s a breakdown of actual SASSA grants:

What to Do If You Shared Your Information

If you have already submitted personal details on a fake website:

• Immediately inform your bank to monitor for suspicious activity.

• Contact SASSA via their hotline.

• File a report with SAPS to initiate an investigation.

• Change passwords to all your sensitive accounts, especially those tied to email or banking.

FAQs

What is the R700 grant scam?

It’s a fake claim circulating online suggesting SASSA is issuing a new R700 grant. It is not true and is aimed at stealing personal data.

Does SASSA offer a R700 grant?

No, SASSA has never announced such a grant. All official information is available on their verified website.

What should I do if I clicked on a scam link?

Stop further interaction, alert your bank, contact SASSA, and report the incident to the police.

Where can I find real information about SASSA grants?

Only on SASSA’s official website: https://srd.sassa.gov.za or by calling 0800 60 10 11.

Can SASSA recover stolen money?

No, SASSA cannot recover money lost to scams. Prevention is key—never trust unsolicited messages.

Conclusion

The false R700 grant scam is a reminder to stay cautious and alert in the digital world. SASSA has taken strong steps to warn the public, but the best protection comes from awareness and verification. Share this article with others, especially in vulnerable communities, and help spread the truth.

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