SASSA's Public Warning on Social Media Misinformation
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has launched a nationwide alert after several bogus videos began circulating on WhatsApp, TikTok and Facebook. These clips claim that the government has changed the August 2025 grant payment dates, encouraging recipients to delay cash collection or to follow dubious links promising faster payouts.
According to the agency, the videos are deliberately engineered to exploit the vulnerability of pensioners and child support claimants who depend on timely funds. By mimicking official branding and using urgent language, the false content can appear convincing, especially to older users less familiar with digital verification tools.
SASSA urges the public to cross‑check any grant‑related announcement with the official SASSA website or by calling the dedicated helpline. The agency also advises users to delete suspicious messages and report them to both the platform and the National Cyber‑Security Centre.
Confirmed August 2025 Grant Schedule
Amid the misinformation storm, SASSA has released the verified payout calendar for August 2025. The schedule applies to all primary social assistance programmes, including the old age pension, disability grant, child support grant and foster care grant.
- Old Age Pension: Payments will be credited on 1 August 2025.
- Disability Grant: Beneficiaries will receive funds on 8 August 2025.
- Child Support Grant: Disbursement dates are set for 15 August 2025.
- Foster Care Grant: Payments will be made on 22 August 2025.
The agency stresses that these dates are final and that any claim of a change must be verified through official channels. Bank transfers will be processed automatically on the listed days, and beneficiaries are advised not to share personal banking details with anyone claiming to expedite the process.
In recent months, SASSA has recorded a sharp rise in complaints about fraudulent grant messages, prompting a coordinated response with the South African Police Service's cybercrime unit. The joint effort includes public education campaigns, community outreach, and the deployment of rapid‑response teams to investigate phishing attempts.
For residents who might have already fallen victim to a scam, SASSA recommends contacting the nearest social welfare office and filing a report with the police. Prompt reporting can help retrieve lost funds and protect others from similar scams.
shefali pace
September 26, 2025 AT 16:06Wow, this warning hits home like a flash of lightning!
So many folks rely on those grant dates, and a fake video can shake their whole month.
Let’s all double‑check the official SASSA site before we click any shiny “quick‑pay” link.
Remember, a little caution today keeps a lot of heartache tomorrow.
Stay safe, stay informed, and keep spreading the correct info!
sachin p
October 8, 2025 AT 16:10In many cultures, especially where community radio is still a lifeline, rumors travel faster than official notices.
That’s why it’s crucial to embed the real grant calendar in local languages and community groups.
When the word spreads from a trusted elder, the fake videos lose their grip.
So, mixing digital alerts with on‑the‑ground outreach bridges the gap nicely.
sarthak malik
October 20, 2025 AT 16:13First and foremost, verify any grant‑related message against the official SASSA portal, which lists the exact dates for each assistance program.
Second, never share personal banking details with anyone promising faster payouts, as SASSA never asks for such information via WhatsApp or TikTok.
Third, use the dedicated SASSA helpline – the number is published on their website – to confirm any alleged changes in the schedule.
Fourth, if you receive a video that looks official but has suspicious URLs, take a screenshot and compare the branding with the government's official logos.
Fifth, educate family members, especially older relatives, about phishing tactics by showing them examples of the fake clips.
Sixth, report the offending content to the platform using the built‑in report feature, which helps takedown teams act quickly.
Seventh, forward the suspicious message to the National Cyber‑Security Centre, as they collect data to track scam networks.
Eighth, keep an eye on your bank statements after the scheduled payment dates to ensure the funds arrive as expected.
Ninth, if a payment seems delayed, contact the nearest social welfare office rather than clicking on a link in the message.
Tenth, remember that SASSA has already coordinated with the South African Police Service’s cybercrime unit to investigate these scams.
Eleventh, community leaders can hold short workshops on digital safety during the weeks leading up to the August payout days.
Twelfth, local radio stations can broadcast reminders about the confirmed dates – 1, 8, 15, and 22 August – to reach those without internet access.
Thirteenth, small businesses that serve pensioners can display posters with the official dates and a QR code linking to the SASSA site.
Fourteenth, keep a personal log of any scam attempts you encounter; this can be valuable evidence if you need to file a police report.
Finally, share this knowledge with anyone you know who might be vulnerable, because a community that watches each other's backs is the best defense against fraud.
rin amr
November 1, 2025 AT 16:16Honestly, while the checklist is thorough, most retirees won’t read a fifteen‑step list; they just need a clear, bold notice that says “Do not click any link.”