VOC News has received several calls from listeners expressing concern over possible scam calls from South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) consultants. Over the past few weeks, some senior citizens have reported that they have been contacted by SASSA consultants asking them to renew or verify personal information, such as ID numbers to help SASSA update their system and also to authorize a SASSA food parcel to one grant recipient.

SASSA’s National Spokesperson, Kgomoco Diseko says that under no circumstances will SASSA ever ask beneficiaries to confirm personal details via telephonic communication.

“We send beneficiaries and recipients registered emails stating that they need to come in to renew their personal information,” Diseko states.

He said SASSA was aware of fraudsters, so to protect their clients, they only meet on a face to face basis.

“Technology has become so advance that anyone has the ability to gain direct access to your personal information via telephone conversations,” Diseko added.

Any beneficiary unsure of anything regarding their SASSA account, should feel free to contact SASSA directly and speak to a consultant.

Grant recipients will be paid as from Monday, 28 November to ensure that beneficiaries can shop in a peaceful and safe environment. VOC (Loushe Jordaan)