SASSA Banking Scam – As of July 2025, SASSA beneficiaries are facing a double threat – a sudden R45 fee hike at ATMs and an alarming surge in banking-related scams targeting grant recipients. The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has issued multiple warnings about suspicious activities around ATM withdrawals and has urged all grant holders to be cautious with their banking details. In recent weeks, scammers have begun exploiting vulnerable grant recipients by sending fake messages, making fraudulent calls, and even manipulating ATM transactions. To make matters worse, several banks have silently raised their ATM cash withdrawal charges, with some transactions now costing up to R45. This increase affects thousands of elderly, child support, and disability grant recipients who rely on every rand of their monthly payout. This article explores how the R45 ATM fee hike affects you, how to avoid being scammed, and the safest ways to access your SASSA grant without losing your money. We will also provide you with departmental contact details, official WhatsApp numbers, and verified tips to protect your grant.
New ATM Withdrawal Charges from July 2025
From July, several commercial banks have increased ATM withdrawal fees for SASSA cardholders. This move has triggered confusion and fear among grant beneficiaries.
- Many banks now charge between R25 to R45 per cash withdrawal.
- Charges apply even on small withdrawals (e.g., R100).
- These fees are not charged by SASSA but by the banks.
- Most affected are those withdrawing from ATMs instead of retail stores or Post Office.
- Double deductions are being reported where both fee and withdrawal amount are debited.
- Some ATMs display incorrect balance amounts.
- Fraudsters are hovering around ATMs during peak SASSA payment days.
Updated Bank Withdrawal Charges for SASSA (July 2025)
| Bank Name | Withdrawal Fee | Balance Enquiry Fee | Mini Statement Fee | Daily Limit | ATM Assistance Available | Known Scam Cases | SASSA Complaint Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capitec Bank | R35 | R8 | R10 | R2,000 | Yes | Moderate | High |
| Standard Bank | R45 | R10 | R15 | R3,000 | No | High | Very High |
| Absa | R40 | R9 | R12 | R2,500 | Yes | Low | Moderate |
| Nedbank | R38 | R8.50 | R11 | R2,000 | Yes | Moderate | High |
| FNB | R42 | R9 | R13 | R3,000 | Yes | High | High |
| Postbank (SAPO) | R0 | R0 | R0 | R1,800 | Yes | Very Low | Low |
| Retail Stores | R0 | R0 | N/A | R2,000 | Cashier Help | Very Low | Very Low |
| Mobile Money | R10 | Free | N/A | R1,000 | Via App | Moderate | Moderate |
How Grant Beneficiaries Are Being Scammed
SASSA has confirmed that banking scams are targeting senior citizens, child grant mothers, and disabled beneficiaries.
- Scam SMS promising “bonus payments” or “extra top-ups.”
- Fake WhatsApp links to “update banking details.”
- Calls pretending to be from SASSA officials asking for OTPs.
- ATM card swapping by criminals offering fake help.
- “Ghost withdrawals” where funds are deducted without use.
Common Tricks Used by Fraudsters
| Scam Method | How It Works | Who Is Targeted | Avoidance Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fake SMS & WhatsApp | Sends links to change bank details | Elderly & mothers | Never click unknown links |
| Card Swapping | Tricks users at ATM into handing over their card | Elderly & illiterate | Never accept help at ATM |
| Call from ‘SASSA Agent’ | Requests OTPs & card numbers over phone | All SASSA users | SASSA will never call for OTPs |
| Skimming Devices | Hidden readers at ATM clone your card | Frequent ATM users | Use only official, well-lit ATMs |
| Retail Store Frauds | Staff collaborate with scammers during withdrawals | Township users | Always count cash before leaving |
Safer Ways to Access Your SASSA Grant Without Losing Money
If you are worried about losing money to scams or ATM fees, consider safer alternatives.
- Use your SASSA card to withdraw cash at retail stores like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Usave, and Checkers – fees are zero.
- Consider transferring your grant to Postbank or bank accounts with lower fees.
- Avoid withdrawing full amounts in one go – use only what you need.
- Check your balance via the official USSD or WhatsApp tool.
- Never ask or allow strangers to help you at an ATM or retail counter.
Best No-Fee Withdrawal Options for July–August 2025
| Withdrawal Option | Transaction Fee | Daily Limit | Other Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boxer/Shoprite ATM | R0 | R2,000 | Staff assistance available |
| Usave Retail Outlet | R0 | R2,000 | Buy groceries and withdraw together |
| Post Office Counter | R0 | R1,800 | Secure, staff-controlled withdrawals |
| Postbank ATM | R0 | R1,800 | No fee balance checks |
| WhatsApp Balance Check | R0 | N/A | Safe and scam-free balance information |
Official WhatsApp Numbers and Contact Helpdesk for SASSA
SASSA has launched WhatsApp helplines and call centers to assist victims of fraud and help update banking information safely.
Verified SASSA Contact Points (July 2025)
| Service Area | Contact Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SASSA Head Office | 0800 60 10 11 | Grant complaints and general queries |
| SASSA WhatsApp | 082 046 8553 | Banking update, balance check |
| Postbank Customer Care | 0800 53 54 55 | ATM fee queries and fraud reports |
| SRD Call Centre | 0800 60 10 11 (option 3) | SRD R350 related issues |
| Email Support | [email protected] | Written complaints and investigations |
| Online Portal | www.sassa.gov.za | Form downloads and application tracking |
What to Do If You’ve Already Lost Money
If you’ve fallen victim to fraud or incorrect deductions, act immediately:
- Call SASSA’s toll-free number or visit your nearest office.
- File a fraud complaint via email or WhatsApp helpline.
- Request a banking switch to Postbank or a safer provider.
- Monitor your transaction statements weekly.
- Avoid reusing compromised cards.
Simple Steps to Report a Scam
- Call 0800 60 10 11 immediately and press the option for fraud.
- Take note of the date, time, and amount deducted.
- Submit a written complaint with your ID copy.
- Demand transaction reversal if proven fraudulent.
- Change your ATM PIN and consider requesting a new SASSA card.
Departmental Contact for Urgent Help
If you are still facing issues or unresolved deductions, contact your nearest regional office:
- Gauteng Regional Office: 011 241 8320
- Western Cape Regional Office: 021 469 0235
- KwaZulu-Natal Regional Office: 033 846 3400
- Eastern Cape Regional Office: 043 707 6300
- Northern Cape Regional Office: 053 802 4900
- Mpumalanga Regional Office: 013 754 9428
- Free State Regional Office: 051 410 8339
- North West Regional Office: 018 397 3333
- Limpopo Regional Office: 015 291 7410
Always bring your SASSA card, ID, and any bank SMS or statement when visiting a SASSA office.
To stay protected, always rely on official SASSA updates and never share your personal grant details with strangers. The fee increase is real, but scams make the situation worse. Be cautious and choose free withdrawal options wherever possible.
FAQs of SASSA Banking Scam
1. Why was I charged R45 to withdraw my SASSA grant?
Because some banks increased their ATM withdrawal fees. Try withdrawing at retail stores to avoid charges.
2. Can SASSA reverse a fraudulent transaction?
Yes, if you report the fraud immediately and provide proof, SASSA and Postbank may assist with reversal.
3. Is it safe to update my banking details through WhatsApp?
Only use the official SASSA WhatsApp number (082 046 8553). Never click suspicious links.
4. Are all ATMs charging fees for SASSA withdrawals now?
No, Postbank and retail stores still allow free withdrawals, but major banks are charging R35–R45.
5. How do I change my payment method from bank to Postbank?
Visit your nearest SASSA office with your ID and SASSA card and fill the ‘Change of Banking’ form.