Fake SASSA Grant Websites

How This Scam Works

Fraudsters create websites that look almost identical to the official SASSA SRD portal (srd.sassa.gov.za). These sites appear at the top of Google search results when people search for 'SASSA status check' or 'apply for SRD grant.' Victims enter their ID number, full name, phone number, and banking details — believing they are on the official government site. The scammers then use this data to submit fraudulent grant applications in the victim's name, redirect grant payments to criminal accounts, or sell the data. In other variants, fake social media posts claim a new grant (R700, R1,682, or other amounts) is available and direct users to these lookalike sites. SASSA confirmed over 150 fake websites have been detected targeting SRD beneficiaries, with approximately 70 shut down through cooperation with the .za domain consortium. eNCA exposed two specific fake SASSA sites in 2024. SASSA also flagged a fake R700 grant scam sweeping social media in February 2026 via IOL.

Red Flags to Watch For

• ⚠ URL does not end in .gov.za — any variation like 'sassa-grants.com', 'sassastatus.co.za', or 'srd-sassa.org' is fake
• ⚠ Social media post claims a 'new grant' (R700, R1,682) that SASSA has not officially announced
• ⚠ Site asks for your bank account number and PIN together on the same form
• ⚠ WhatsApp message from an unofficial number claims to process your SASSA application for a fee
• ⚠ Site has spelling errors, mismatched logos, or a different colour scheme from sassa.gov.za
• ⚠ You receive a request for payment — SASSA services are 100% free

Evidence

• SASSA confirmed 150+ fake websites mimicking the official SRD portal to harvest beneficiary data; ~70 shut down via .za domain consortium (nhcouncilonasd.org citing SASSA statement)
• eNCA investigation 'Two fake Sassa websites exposed' — detailed specific fraudulent domains (enca.com/top-stories/two-fake-sassa-websites-exposed)
• IOL, February 2026: 'SASSA flags new R700 grant scam sweeping social media' — official SASSA denial on X/Twitter (iol.co.za/business/2026-02-23-sassa-flags-new-r700-grant-scam-sweeping-social-media)
• Africa Check fact-check: 'South Africans, don't be fooled by claims of a new R1,682 family support grant' (africacheck.org)
• GroundUp investigation: 'We discovered massive fraud in SASSA's grant system' — identity theft used to redirect grants (groundup.org.za)
• The Citizen: SASSA fraud crackdown saved taxpayers R340 million — identity theft via fake sites cited as primary method (citizen.co.za)

What to Do If You've Been Targeted

1. 1 Only use official SASSA channels: www.sassa.gov.za or srd.sassa.gov.za — type these directly into your browser, never click a link
2. 2 SASSA's official WhatsApp numbers are 082 046 8553 (status check) and 082 054 0016 (applications) — save these now
3. 3 If your grant was redirected, visit your nearest SASSA office immediately with your ID and a bank statement as evidence
4. 4 Report fake websites to SASSA's fraud hotline: 0800 60 10 11 (free call)
5. 5 Report identity theft to SAFPS at safps.org.za or call 011 867 2234 — register a Protective Registration
6. 6 File a criminal case at saps.gov.za or your nearest SAPS station if you believe your ID was used fraudulently
7. 7 Report fake social media posts to the platform (Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok) using the built-in report button