WHY changing SASSA bank details isn’t as EASY as it sounds

More beneficiaries are being forced into changing their SASSA bank details to protect against unauthorised debit orders. Small R30 to R60 deductions for funeral-cover or insurance are small enough that recipients may not notice them for a while, but they’re always adding up.

It’s like ‘death by a thousand cuts,’ says one irate grant beneficiary. A small debit order for a funeral policy they never knowingly signed up has forced a change in SASSA bank details. Agency CEO Temba Matlou has said scammers posing as bogus financial institutions are targeting beneficiaries. But here’s how to fight back …

CHANGE SASSA BANK DETAILS

Firstly, request a three-month bank statement. Look for small, regular deductions you don’t recognise. Note the name, reference and amount. Be especially wary of anything linked to insurance, funeral cover, airtime or electricity vouchers, says the South African Social Security Agency. Next, you’ll have to visit your bank branch with valid ID. Then ask the bank to:

• Immediately stop the debit orders.
• Dispute and reverse any unauthorised deductions.
• Do not contact the company taking your money, as this will tip them off.
• Block any future third-party debit orders on your account.

IF YOU ACCOUNT IS COMPROMISED

Ultimately, you should only change your SASSA bank details for future disbursements if you feel your profile has been compromised. This removes access to any nefarious operator. Then open a new one with your bank. And always look for the lowest-cost account available. Remember, tell them you want no third-party debit orders.

From there, you will need to alert the agency to your change in SASSA bank details. Here, sadly, is where the process gets tiresome:

• Download it HERE or visit your nearest SASSA local office for a bank details change form (commonly called Annexure C).
• You cannot change details for permanent grants such as the Older Persons over the phone or online.
• You must take the form to your new bank, where an official will stamp and confirm your account details. Once again, you will need to bring your valid ID document for each step of the way.
• Finally, return the stamped and completed form to the SASSA office, with your ID, and any proof of illegal deductions.
• Do it early in the month, before the 15th, to make sure you make the next payment cycle.

HOW TO REPORT SASSA GRANT FRAUD

• Beyond changing your SASSA bank details, you can also report any fraud to SASSA on 0800 601 011.
• Try and open a case at your local police station to accelerate matters. And keep the case number close at hand.
• You may also complain to the Ombudsman for Long-term Insurance. They will almost certainly not be a licensed service provider on the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) register.
• And keep checking your statements monthly for the next three months to make sure the unauthorised payments don’t persist.
• As ever, for your own safety, never hand over your banking or SASSA card details, PIN or ID to anyone.

But what do you think? Have you had to change your SASSA bank details recently due to potential fraud? How did you find the experience? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below …