How to Report SASSA Fraud and Grant Abuse
SASSA grant fraud costs South Africa billions of rands each year and deprives vulnerable citizens of money they need. If you know of someone fraudulently receiving a grant, an official soliciting bribes, or grant payments being stolen, you can report it anonymously. This guide explains how.
What Counts as SASSA Fraud?
- Applying for a grant using false information or someone else's identity
- Continuing to receive a grant after the qualifying conditions no longer apply (e.g., a deceased person's grant)
- A SASSA or government official accepting bribes to approve applications
- Someone stealing grant money from a vulnerable person (elder abuse, caregiver theft)
- Identity theft to redirect grant payments
- Ghost beneficiaries — non-existent people registered in the SASSA system
How to Report SASSA Fraud
Option 1: SASSA Fraud Hotline
Call the SASSA fraud hotline on 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free, available Monday–Friday 08:00–16:00). You can report anonymously.
Have as much information as possible ready: the fraudster's name, ID number, location, and the nature of the fraud.
Option 2: Email or Online Report
Send an email to fraud@sassa.gov.za with details of the fraud. Include any evidence you have such as photos, dates, and names.
You can also submit a report through the SASSA website at www.sassa.gov.za under the 'Report Fraud' section.
Option 3: National Anti-Corruption Hotline
For corruption involving SASSA officials, report to the Presidential Hotline: 17737 (1-7-7-3-7) or the Public Service Commission hotline at 0800 701 701.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) also investigates SASSA fraud. Contact them at www.siu.org.za.
Option 4: Your Nearest SASSA Office
You can report fraud in person at any SASSA office. Ask to speak to the Fraud and Anti-Corruption unit. If you suspect the local office itself is corrupt, report directly to the SASSA regional or national office.
Anonymous reports are accepted and protected. You do not have to give your name to report fraud.
What Happens After You Report
- SASSA or the relevant authority logs the complaint
- An investigator is assigned to assess the report
- If evidence is found, the beneficiary's grant may be suspended pending investigation
- Fraudsters may be prosecuted and required to repay stolen funds
- If a SASSA official is involved, they may face disciplinary action and criminal prosecution
SASSA will never ask for your PIN, password, or bank card details over the phone or via SMS. If you receive such a request, it is a scam.
Protecting Yourself from SASSA Fraud
- Never share your SASSA PIN or ID number with anyone
- Do not pay anyone to apply for a SASSA grant on your behalf — SASSA services are free
- Be wary of SMS messages or calls claiming to be from SASSA asking for personal details
- If someone approaches you at a SASSA office offering to help for money, report them immediately