The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) recently warned social grant beneficiaries about a new scam involving OTPs being sent via WhatsApp.
Sassa clarified that it does not send OTP codes through WhatsApp and urged recipients of such messages to be cautious, as they are likely fraudulent. The agency emphasized that OTPs for the Covid-19 SRD grant are never sent via WhatsApp. If you receive a message like this, it’s almost certainly a scam.
Sassa advises grant recipients to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal information with unknown sources.
Stay vigilant and don’t share your personal information
When Are OTPs Used By Sassa
OTPs are normally sent to SRD grant beneficiaries via SMS when they apply for the grant. Scammers may be soliciting OTP numbers to gain unauthorised access to social grant payments meant to support eligible individuals.
How to Apply for the SRD Grant
To start your September R370 grant application, visit the SRD grant website:
- Select your citizenship status at the bottom of the webpage—either “South African ID Holder” or “Asylum Seeker/Special Permit Holder.”
- Under the relevant section (“How do I apply for this SRD Grant” or “Asylum Seekers and Special Permit Holders”), look for the yellow bar that says “Click here to apply online.”
- Enter your mobile number and click “Send SMS.” Then, enter the OTP sent by Sassa to your phone for verification.
- Once verified, follow the steps on the website to complete your application.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the R370 grant, applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents, or special permit holders. They should not be receiving other government support, such as Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) benefits or National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursaries. Additionally, their bank account balance should be below R624.
