How can I protect my personal information and documents to prevent my SASSA accounts from being hacked?

The long answer

If your ID and your child’s birth certificate are stolen, criminals could use them to apply for SASSA grants, loans, or open accounts in your name. It is therefore important that you act quickly. The first thing that you need to do is report the stolen identity documents to the police, and note down the case number as soon as possible. This case number will assist you when dealing with SASSA, as well as banks and retailers if the thief tries to open accounts or take credit out in your name.

You should then report the stolen identity documents to the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS). SAFPS is partnered with numerous banks, retailers, and organizations, who will all be notified about your stolen identity documents. Make sure to inform your bank separately as well.

Here are their contact details: 

Email: [email protected]

Call: 011 867 2234

You should visit a Home Affairs office near you to report your ID card and your child’s birth certificate as stolen, and apply for replacement documents.

To alert SASSA about your stolen identity documents, you can visit a SASSA office. Here are their contact details: 

Call: 0800 601 011

Email: [email protected]

Make sure to provide them with the police case number. You can also contact them if your identity has already been compromised and used for a SASSA grant. SASSA will verify your identity, and will then investigate and stop the fraudulent grant and any further applications.

If your SASSA or Postbank card has also been stolen, call Postbank to immediately stop the card, and then visit your nearest Post Office branch with your case number and other relevant documents to be issued with a new card. Here is their phone number: 0800 53 54 55 

Wishing you the best,
Joel