Fake R350 Double Payment Messages – In recent weeks, thousands of South African social grant beneficiaries have received fake messages claiming that the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will issue a “double R350 payment” for the month of July. These false alerts have spread rapidly across social media platforms, including WhatsApp and Facebook, causing confusion and raising false hopes among vulnerable grant recipients. SASSA has now stepped forward with an urgent warning to the public, urging beneficiaries to ignore these fraudulent claims and rely only on official communication channels. The R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant continues to be a lifeline for millions of unemployed South Africans. However, scammers have increasingly exploited this system by circulating messages that appear convincing, mimicking SASSA’s logos and language style. These fake messages often include malicious links, false payment dates, or promises of bonus payouts to trick users into providing personal details. SASSA has officially debunked these claims, emphasizing that there is no scheduled double payment for July, and that all official updates will be shared through the SASSA website and government platforms only. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of digital misinformation in the era of online grant management. With over 7 million beneficiaries depending on the R350 grant, scammers are preying on people’s desperation. SASSA is calling for heightened public awareness and urging recipients to verify all information before acting. Here’s everything you need to know about this fake R350 double payment scam, how to identify it, what SASSA has officially said, and what steps you must take to stay safe.
What Is the Fake R350 Double Payment Messages About?
In this section, we explain the nature of the scam and how it is circulating among the public.
- Fake messages claim two R350 payments for July due to a system “glitch” or “government bonus.”
- They often include links to unofficial websites asking users to “confirm banking details.”
- Most messages use phrases like “urgent SASSA update” or “payment confirmation needed.”
- Some scams claim that R700 will be deposited into accounts by a specific date.
- Social media forwards and group messages have played a major role in spreading these lies.
- Images used often contain edited SASSA logos to appear legitimate.
- SMS scams have also emerged mimicking SASSA’s usual tone.
How These Fake R350 Double Payment Messages Are Delivered
Scammers use multiple digital channels to spread misinformation and collect personal data.
- WhatsApp forwards in family or community groups.
- Facebook posts shared by fake SASSA pages.
- TikTok videos claiming inside information from SASSA employees.
- Fraudulent websites mimicking sassa.gov.za
- Direct SMS messages with “urgent grant updates”
- Telegram and other messaging app groups targeting unemployed users.
Official Response from SASSA for Fake R350 Double Payment Messages
SASSA has issued an urgent alert regarding the spread of misinformation and fraud.
- No double payment is planned or approved for July.
- SASSA has not authorized any bonus or top-up for the R350 grant.
- All updates are shared only via www.sassa.gov.za and official SASSA social media.
- Beneficiaries are warned not to share ID numbers, bank details, or PINs with anyone.
- Legal action will be taken against individuals or pages spreading fake SASSA information.
- SASSA urges users to report fake websites and messages to 0800 60 10 11.
- Fraudulent activity is being monitored by cybercrime units in collaboration with SASSA.
Verified Channels for SASSA Communication
Always use these platforms to confirm your grant status and updates.
| Platform | Official URL or Contact |
|---|---|
| SASSA Website | https://www.sassa.gov.za |
| SASSA Facebook Page | https://www.facebook.com/SASSANewsZA |
| SASSA Twitter | https://twitter.com/OfficialSASSA |
| SASSA SRD Status | https://srd.sassa.gov.za |
| SASSA WhatsApp | 082 046 8553 |
| Toll-Free Helpline | 0800 60 10 11 |
| Email Enquiries | [email protected] |
Real R350 Payment Dates for July 2025
To clear up any confusion, here is the actual R350 payment schedule for July.
- July 1–5: Processing of approved beneficiaries.
- July 4: First batch of bank deposits begins.
- July 8–12: Postbank and retail cash collections.
- July 15: Last day to update expired details.
- July 20–25: Final round of payments for late approvals.
- No bonus or double payments are scheduled.
- SASSA has confirmed only regular monthly payouts will occur.
July Payment Schedule Table
| Date Range | Activity/Payment Type |
|---|---|
| July 1–5 | Payment processing for banks |
| July 4 | EFT deposits start |
| July 8–12 | Cash pickups at retail partners |
| July 10 | Deadline to update banking details |
| July 15 | Last day for ID re-verification |
| July 20–25 | Payments for late re-approved cases |
| July 31 | No scheduled double deposit |
What to Do If You Received a Fake Message
If you’ve seen or forwarded a scam message, here’s what you should immediately do.
- Do not click any links in the message.
- Block and report the sender on WhatsApp or Facebook.
- Contact the SASSA toll-free number to verify any information.
- Forward screenshots of scams to [email protected].
- Update your grant details only through the official SRD website.
- Never share your OTP, SASSA password, or grant ID with others.
- Encourage others in your community to be cautious.
How to Report a Scam
Reporting scams helps protect other vulnerable grant recipients.
| Action | Contact/Platform |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free Hotline | 0800 60 10 11 |
| SASSA Email | [email protected] |
| WhatsApp Support Line | 082 046 8553 |
| SA Cybercrime Report | [email protected] |
| Visit Nearest Office | Any SASSA regional branch |
Tips to Identify Fake SASSA Messages
Here are simple signs that can help you recognize scam messages before falling for them.
- The sender is not from an official SASSA account.
- It includes links that are not sassa.gov.za or srd.sassa.gov.za.
- It asks for urgent verification of personal info.
- The message promises money that’s not publicly announced.
- Grammar or spelling mistakes are often present.
- No matching announcement appears on SASSA’s website.
- The message uses scare tactics or “limited time” language.
SASSA Grant Safety Table
| Checkpoint | Real SASSA Message | Fake/Scam Message |
|---|---|---|
| Verified Source (URL/Page) | Yes | No |
| Asks for Bank PIN | No | Yes |
| Bonus/Double Grant Claims | No | Yes |
| Urgent “Click Now” Links | No | Yes |
| Poor Spelling & Grammar | No | Usually |
| SASSA Logo Used Properly | Yes | Often Edited/Fake |
| Matches Public Schedule | Yes | No |
Community Safety Measures
To stop the spread of scams, communities must work together.
- Share verified info from SASSA pages, not group chats.
- Local NGOs can help verify payment timelines.
- Community WhatsApp groups should appoint one admin to forward verified updates only.
- Educate elderly grant recipients about scam tactics.
SASSA continues to urge all South Africans to stay vigilant against misinformation. Only trust verified channels, and never act on unsolicited messages or social media claims that promise extra payments. Scammers are getting smarter, but with public awareness, their tactics can be defeated. Always remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Common Questions and Real Answers
These questions are frequently asked by grant recipients during scam alerts.
Q1: Will SASSA pay double this month?
No. There is no double payment scheduled for July or any other month unless officially announced.
Q2: I got a message asking for my bank login—should I reply?
No! SASSA will never ask for bank login details. Report the message immediately.
Q3: Can I verify grant status on WhatsApp?
Yes, only through the official SASSA WhatsApp number: 082 046 8553.
Q4: What happens if I clicked on a scam link?
Change your passwords immediately, contact your bank, and report the incident to SASSA and cybercrime authorities.
Q5: Where can I report a fake Facebook SASSA page?
You can report it directly to Facebook and email screenshots to [email protected].