WhatsApp is widely used by South Africans, it is a completely different platform compared to other social media applications such as Facebook, or Instagram. According to the SASSA beneficiaries, people are facing various challenges as WhatsApp is being used to defraud SASSA beneficiaries. A large number of scammers use WhatsApp to deceive people and steal their money.
The majority of the SASSA beneficiaries are older people, disabled and war veterans who are unable to differentiate between fake and real announcements. Scammers send fake news messages, or OTP codes to access their accounts and if the beneficiary allows them to approach, they can steal money. Come with me to explore how WhatsApp is being used to defraud SASSA beneficiaries.
Tactics of Scammers to Deceive People
Some people have complained that they have received OTPs while others added they received messages that someone is trying to access their personal information. In this scenario of confusion, people often give their details, such as the name, address, ID number, and password of their accounts to scammers and as a result, they lose their money. Here are the tactics scammers use to deceive people:
Impersonation of SASSA Officials on WhatsApp
Some SASSA beneficiaries have reported that they have received a phone call or message on WhatsApp from the SASSA office. The SASSA call agents take the information, such as the name, address, and ID number, and then send an OTP. When people provide the number of OTP, they lose the money in their accounts.
These calls or messages are not from SASSA. First of all, SASSA does not contact an applicant by messaging or calling, instead, you will be notified on the official website when you log in to your portal. Secondly, SASSA does not contact you using a common phone number. Lastly, SASSA employees do not need an OTP to see the details of a beneficiary so do not give your sensitive information to the scammers who contact you as agents of SASSA employees.
Circulation of Fake Grant Application Links
Another type of scam is sending fake application links. These links are shared from group to group asking people to log in by providing information and then win the special grants. These links posts are perfectly designed in formal language to impress the readers so he is unable to differentiate whether the link is not from SASSA.
As you click on the link, and fill out the application form, you are providing sensitive information to the scammers. These application forms are designed to gather the information and then for verification, you need to enter OTP. If you enter OTP, the scammer gets access to your account and the very next moment, you will find your SASSA account Empty.
Therefore, avoid clicking on the anonymous links. In case, you open an application form then be careful with the information that you are providing. SASSA does not run any special grant program nor emergency funds are released without any reason. All the announcements can be seen on the SASSA official website rather than on WhatsApp.
Fake Job Opportunities Announcement
SASSA does not announce job opportunities on WhatsApp. If you are interested to work in SASSA then you should see the official website. Additionally, the advertisement of opportunities is also visible in the newspapers if the vacancies are open. However, there are links that you can also see in groups asking people to apply for jobs.
In case, a person opens the link and provides his information, he may face various challenges. His personal information can be used for several damaging purposes. Therefore, people who are interested in applying for SASSA jobs should visit the official website rather than searching for jobs on WhatsApp.
Phishing for OTPs
We receive thousands of messages on WhatsApp, many of which are links. Majority of the people are unfamiliar with the fact that these links can be dangerous for their personal information. Scammers may message an SASSA beneficiary that his account is facing a problem or that the grant will be delayed if he does not fix a specific issue. As the message is received, an OTP is also received to verify the account.
These OTPs are linked with the mobile banking apps. The OTPs allow them to access the banking applications and hence the money in your account can be vanished. Therefore, do not click on any link nor provide the OTP to anyone.
How to Protect Yourself From Frauds?
The rise of scams is due to the unawareness of the people regarding the technology use and protection of their personal information. Mostly, people are more prone to provide their information to unknown sources in order to secure a reward and this process can end up troubling them.
- Verification Authenticity: In case, you receive a message on WhatsApp that you have won a special grant your SASSA account is facing a problem, verify whether the message is from the official number of the SASSA.
- Visit authorized links: Always visit authorized or legit websites to check your SASSA Status like https://srd-sassa-gov.co.za/.The only platform where SASSA authorities contact a person is the official website.
- Avoid Sharing OPTs: Do not provide the OPT that you receive. Delete OTP after you have entered it in the bars and avoid taking screenshots of the OTP.
- Block and Report Scammers: Do not take a chance to allow scammers to malfunction in society, always block and report the police or SASSA.
Final Words
WhatsApp is one of the most used social media platforms that allows people to connect. But scammers can use this platform to damage a person financially. The cases of fraud on WhatsApp regarding SASSA are increasing; therefore, be highly vigilant when it comes to answering a call and providing information to anyone on WhatsApp. I hope this information will help you in the future thank you.
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