Scammers are taking advantage of the jobless who are trying to apply for the COVID-19 Special Grant of R350 a month.
Ahead of the payouts this week, the Social Development Ministry has issued a scam alert.
The ministry has warned unemployed South Africans not to pay R30 towards their application for the unemployment grant.
Desperate people have been warned against responding to messages that say: “We help You To Apply for Social Relief of Stress Grants.”
The message prompts unemployed South Africans to pay R30 to fast-track their applications for the R350 grant.
“The Department of Social Development is urging all potential COVID-19 Special Grant beneficiaries to NOT pay any money for applications,” the department warns on its official twitter page.
“Applying for the R350 grant is free.”
The Department of Social Development is urging all potential COVID-19 Special Grant beneficiaries to NOT pay any money for applications. Applying for the R350 grant is free. @OfficialSASSA @SAgovnews @PresidencyZA @nda_rsa @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/BkFwNxer37
— Social Development (@The_DSD) May 12, 2020
Applications for the temporary COVID-19 grant officially opened for applications on Monday – but several applicants are frustrated by the system.
Some applicants complain that the WhatsApp system and SMS number are unresponsive.
Can someone please enlighten us as to why applications are not completed especially on Whatsapp and we are not sure if they will go through.
— yyem_n (@Eluthandweni2) May 12, 2020
How long must I wait for respond of an email?? *134*7737# it took me the hole one hour pic.twitter.com/QtY8kSBa10
— Mask_Must😷 (@PotsaneSamadula) May 12, 2020
Good day kindly note that your Whatssap seems to be not attended, I’m trying to assist several individuals apply, but its seems to be unattended?
— Mmabatho Koena (@MmabatoKoena) May 12, 2020
I send email yesterday but I didn’t get any respond and I decide to try on other platforms like USSD it’s been almost 1hr30min on it pic.twitter.com/VXYTe5kTL0
— Mask_Must😷 (@PotsaneSamadula) May 12, 2020
For those who managed to register, their first R350 grant will be paid from this week starting on 15 May.
