PENSIONERS are being warned to keep their personal details safe after a woman was allegedly approached by a man claiming to be a Sassa official at Liberty Promenade in Mitchells Plain.
The incident has prompted Sassa to launch an internal investigation into claims that people posing as officials are approaching elderly beneficiaries, taking their photographs and asking for their ID numbers.
The pensioner, who asked not to be named, said she was shopping at the mall when she noticed a young man taking a picture of her.
She confronted him about it and he allegedly admitted taking the photo. He then showed her pictures of other elderly women, apparently trying to reassure her that he was not doing anything suspicious.
The man allegedly told her he worked for Sassa and asked for her ID number.
According to the pensioner, he claimed her details were needed to make sure she continued receiving her grant and would also qualify for an increase.
That immediately raised concerns, especially as similar complaints have been circulating online.
Other beneficiaries have claimed that people carrying what appeared to be Sassa identification cards were approaching pensioners and asking for personal information.
Some have also reported money disappearing from their accounts, including amounts of about R120. However, there is currently no confirmed link between the alleged approaches and the missing money.
Sassa Western Cape spokesperson Shivani Wahab said the agency was taking the allegations seriously.
“Sassa is not conducting any programme at Liberty Promenade in which officials randomly approach older persons while they are shopping, photograph them and request their identity numbers,” Wahab said.
She said beneficiaries who need to undergo grant reviews or verification are formally notified and directed to a Sassa office, authorised service point or secure platform.
She also made it clear that officials cannot promise people a grant increase in exchange for their information.
Sassa has referred the Liberty Promenade allegations to its fraud, compliance and security teams and will work with the mall to establish whether CCTV footage or other information could help the investigation.
“Should evidence of criminal conduct be established, the matter will be referred to the South African Police Service for investigation,” Wahab said.
Liberty Promenade management said it was not aware of any confirmed scam at the centre but was taking the concerns seriously.
“However, we take any concerns relating to the safety and security of all our shoppers seriously, particularly those involving elderly and vulnerable members of our community,” management said.
Security staff have been briefed to look out for anyone approaching shoppers for personal information or claiming to represent Sassa.