If you are a victim of SASSA fraud or have witnessed fraudulent activity, you can report it immediately by calling the SASSA fraud hotline at 0800 601 011 (toll-free and anonymous). You can also report to SAPS at your nearest police station. Acting fast protects your grant, your money, and your identity.
Types of SASSA Fraud You Should Report
Fraud related to SASSA takes many forms. All of these should be reported right away:
1. Someone Collecting Your Grant Without Permission
If someone else is withdrawing your R370 SRD grant or any other SASSA grant without your knowledge, this is theft. It may be a family member, a caregiver, or a stranger who obtained your details. Report this immediately.
2. Scam Websites, WhatsApp Numbers, or SMS Messages
If you encounter fake SASSA websites, WhatsApp scams, or phishing SMS messages pretending to be from SASSA, report them so that SASSA and law enforcement can take action and protect other people.
3. Someone Asking for Money to Process Your Application
SASSA never charges a fee to apply for any grant. If anyone — whether online, by phone, or in person — asks you to pay money to process your SASSA application, it is fraud. The SRD grant application is free at srd.sassa.gov.za.
4. SASSA Staff Demanding Bribes
If a SASSA employee asks for money, gifts, or favours in exchange for processing your application, approving your grant, or providing any service, this is corruption and must be reported.
5. Someone Using Your ID to Apply for Grants
If you discover that someone has used your ID number to apply for a SASSA grant without your knowledge, this is identity fraud. You may find out when your own application is declined because a grant is already linked to your ID.
6. Identity Theft Related to SASSA
If your personal details were stolen through a scam and are being used for SASSA-related fraud, report it immediately to protect yourself from further harm.
How to Report SASSA Fraud — Step by Step
There are several channels available to report SASSA fraud. Use whichever method is most accessible to you. You can also use more than one channel to make sure your report is received.
Step 1: Call the SASSA Fraud Hotline
Phone 0800 601 011. This is a toll-free number and you can report anonymously. You do not need to give your name if you do not want to. The line is specifically for reporting fraud related to SASSA grants.
Step 2: Call the SASSA Main Helpline
If you need general assistance along with reporting fraud, call the main SASSA helpline at 0800 60 10 11. This line can help with fraud reports as well as questions about your application or payment. For more contact options, visit our SASSA helpline number page.
Step 3: Send an Email
You can email your fraud report to [email protected]. Include as much detail as possible — your ID number, a description of the fraud, the scammer’s phone number or website URL, dates and times, and any screenshots you may have.
Step 4: Visit a SASSA Office in Person
Visit your nearest SASSA office to report fraud in person. Bring your ID document and any evidence you have, such as screenshots of scam messages, fake website URLs, or transaction records.
Step 5: Report to SAPS (South African Police Service)
Visit your nearest police station to open a criminal case. This is especially important if you lost money or if your identity has been stolen. When you open a case:
- Bring your ID document.
- Provide all evidence — screenshots, phone numbers, website URLs, bank statements showing unauthorized transactions.
- Get a case number. Write it down and keep it safe. You will need it for follow-ups.
- You can also report online through the SAPS website.
Step 6: Report to Your Bank
If banking fraud has occurred — such as unauthorized withdrawals or if you shared your banking details with a scammer — call your bank immediately. Most banks have a 24-hour fraud line. Ask them to:
- Block suspicious transactions.
- Change your PIN and account details.
- Monitor your account for further unauthorized activity.
- Reverse any fraudulent transactions if possible.
What Information to Provide When Reporting
The more information you provide, the better the chance of catching the scammer and protecting others. Try to include:
- Your ID number — so SASSA can locate your record and protect your grant.
- Description of the fraud — what happened, in your own words.
- Scammer’s details — their phone number, WhatsApp number, email address, or fake website URL.
- Date and time — when the fraud occurred or when you received the scam message.
- Screenshots — take photos of scam messages, fake websites, or any other evidence before deleting them.
- Financial details — if you lost money, include the amount and how it was taken (bank transfer, airtime purchase, etc.).
What Happens After You Report SASSA Fraud
After you submit your report, here is what you can expect:
- SASSA investigates. The SASSA fraud unit will review your report and investigate. This may include tracing the scammer’s details and working with law enforcement.
- SAPS may investigate criminally. If you opened a case at a police station, the detective assigned to your case will investigate and may contact you for a statement.
- Your grant may be protected. SASSA can put safeguards on your grant to prevent further unauthorized access.
- You may need to provide a statement. Both SASSA and SAPS may ask you to provide a formal statement. Cooperate fully to help the investigation.
- Follow up regularly. Use your case number to check on the progress of your SAPS case. Call SASSA at 0800 60 10 11 for updates on their investigation.
Protect Yourself After Reporting
Reporting fraud is the first step. You must also take steps to protect yourself going forward:
- Change your banking PIN immediately. If there is any chance your PIN has been compromised, change it right away.
- Monitor your bank account. Check your statements daily for the next few weeks. Report any unfamiliar transactions to your bank.
- Update your SASSA details. If your phone number or banking details were compromised, update them through official SASSA channels. Visit the official site at srd.sassa.gov.za or call 0800 60 10 11.
- Be extra cautious. After being targeted once, scammers may try again. Stay vigilant with all messages, calls, and emails related to SASSA.
To check your grant status safely, use only official methods listed on our SASSA status check page. For all verified SASSA contact information, visit our SASSA contact information page.
Key Numbers to Save
Save these numbers in your phone so you always have them ready:
- SASSA Fraud Hotline: 0800 601 011 (toll-free, anonymous)
- SASSA Main Helpline: 0800 60 10 11 (toll-free)
- SASSA WhatsApp: 082 046 8553 (green verified tick)
- SASSA Email: [email protected]
- SAPS Emergency: 10111
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report SASSA fraud anonymously?
Yes. You can report SASSA fraud anonymously by calling the SASSA fraud hotline at 0800 601 011. You do not need to give your name. However, providing your contact details can help investigators follow up with you if they need more information.
What should I do if a SASSA employee asks me for money?
If a SASSA employee asks for money, a bribe, or any payment in exchange for services, refuse and report them. Call the SASSA fraud hotline at 0800 601 011 immediately. You can also visit your nearest police station to open a corruption case. SASSA services are always free.
How long does a SASSA fraud investigation take?
The time depends on the complexity of the case. Simple reports may be resolved within weeks. More complex cases involving identity theft or multiple victims may take several months. Follow up regularly using your case number. Call SASSA at 0800 60 10 11 or check with the detective assigned to your SAPS case.
Can I get my money back if I was scammed?
It depends on the situation. If you report quickly, your bank may be able to reverse unauthorized transactions. The sooner you report to your bank, SASSA, and SAPS, the better your chances of recovering lost money. Always keep records of all reports and case numbers.
Where can I learn more about SASSA scams?
Visit our SASSA scam and fraud awareness hub for comprehensive information. You can also read our guides on SASSA WhatsApp scams, fake SASSA websites, and SASSA phishing SMS scams to stay informed and protect yourself.