Thursday, 3 September 2026 ⚠️ Real Incident

Keep Your ID Safe: Sassa Warns Against Mall Scam

Sassa is investigating reports of people posing as officials to take photos of pensioners and ask for their ID numbers in shopping malls.

What happened

A pensioner shopping at Liberty Promenade Mall was approached by a man taking her photo. He claimed to work for Sassa and asked for her ID number. He told her this was necessary to keep receiving her pension and to qualify for an increase.

How it worked

First, the scammer takes a photo of the pensioner in public. Second, they show pictures of other elderly people to make themselves look trustworthy. Finally, they ask for personal details like ID numbers, promising grant increases to convince the victim.

How to protect yourself

• Never give your ID number or personal details to anyone who approaches you randomly in public.
• Remember that real Sassa officials will never approach you randomly in public to promise grant increases.
• Go directly to an official Sassa office or secure authorised service point if you need to review your grant.

Source: Daily Voice