SASSA has issued a formal warning about a fraudulent message circulating on WhatsApp and social media, which falsely claims that individuals can recover unpaid R350–R370 SRD grants from as far back as 2021 by contacting a person via WhatsApp.
The message, marked with the official SASSA logo and logos of retail stores like Boxer and Pick n Pay, urges people to WhatsApp a “Mr Mazibuko” to claim previous payments supposedly lost due to lost SIM cards or number changes.
SASSA has labelled this message fake, warning the public not to share personal information with unknown sources.
Who Qualifies
This message does not originate from SASSA.
There is no official SASSA process that allows beneficiaries to retroactively claim all unpaid R350 or R370 SRD grants for multiple years via WhatsApp or third parties.
If you missed a payment in the past, the correct channels are:
- The official SASSA website: https://www.sassa.gov.za
- The SRD portal: https://srd.sassa.gov.za
How to Check Your SRD Status
To check your payment or appeal status safely, use only SASSA’s official platforms:
Online:
- Go to https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/status
- Enter your ID number and mobile number
- Follow the prompts to view your status
USSD (no internet needed):
Dial *134*7737# to access the SASSA SRD self-service option.
Official Response
SASSA has confirmed that:
- The viral message is fraudulent
- It does not have any relationship with the individuals or retail stores mentioned
- Beneficiaries should never share their ID numbers or personal details via WhatsApp or unknown websites
“Please note that the below information is false and does NOT come from SASSA,” the agency posted via its verified Facebook page.
What to Do if You’re a Victim
If you have already sent your details to the number in the fake message:
- Report the incident immediately to the SAPS Cybercrime Unit
- Change your banking details if shared
- Visit your nearest SASSA office for support
Summary: What’s Fake and What’s Real
| Item | Real or Fake |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp number for Mr Mazibuko | ❌ Fake |
| Claiming unpaid SRD grants via WhatsApp | ❌ Fake |
| Using srd.sassa.gov.za to check status | ✅ Real |
| Contacting SASSA directly through official site | ✅ Real |
