South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries using the black Postbank cards as well as the gold SASSA cards have been urged to be wary of rising fraud scams targeting their cards and PIN information.
In a statement on Friday, Postbank said a recent scam involves fraudsters impersonating Postbank officials and targeting social beneficiaries in their homes.
“The beneficiaries are then duped into handing over their Postbank grant cards and PIN information under the pretext that there is something that requires fixing on the cards; or fear is instilled in them that they will not receive their future grant payments if they don’t handover their cards PIN information.
“Postbank assures social grant beneficiaries that there is nothing that requires fixing on any of its black cards and SASSA gold cards, and that both cards will continue to work beyond 31 May 2025 for the payments of their grants,” Postbank said.
Beneficiaries must be wary of fraudsters who may pretend that they are from Postbank, even if they are wearing what may appear to be Postbank uniforms or branded cars.
Here is how they can be spotted:
- They show up unannounced or without an appointment.
- They ask you for your card PIN number.
If fraudsters pretending to be from Postbank visit your home:
- Quietly alert your neighbours and the community.
- Alert the police.
- Report the incident to Postbank on 0800 53 54 55.
Protect you card PIN numbers:
- Never give anyone your card PIN number, even to a Postbank official.
- Postbank will never ask you for your card PIN as that is against banking
rules. Your card PIN is your personal possession. - Memorise your PIN and don’t write it on a piece of paper (If you must
write your PIN, ensure that the paper on which you write it is not kept in
the same place as your card).
Postbank will not visit beneficiaries’ homes unless invited.
- Postbank will never visit your home unless you have requested that
through the necessary home visits channels. - Beneficiaries must always remember that their cards and PINs are their
personal keys to their money. They should never give them to anyone.
“Beneficiaries are also reminded that they should not listen to anyone that tells them to change their SASSA gold cards or Postbank black cards to other banks payment methods, even if they are advised to do so by government officials.
“Postbank is committed to protecting its social grant customers while offering them safe, secure and convenient ways of accessing their social grant payments,” Postbank said.
For any enquiries customers can contact Postbank on 0800 53 54 55. – SAnews.gov.za
