Beware of fraud: Postbank issues warning to SASSA beneficiaries

Postbank card holders are urged to be aware of a recent scam circulating around the country.

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries using the black Postbank cards as well as the gold SASSA cards, must be wary of rising fraud scams targeting their cards and PIN information.

In a statement, 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 hand over their cards PIN information,” Postbank said.

“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 for the payments of their grants.”

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 your 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 never visit your home unless you have requested that through the necessary home visit 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 who 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 said.

“Postbank is committed to protecting its social grant customers while offering them safe, secure and convenient ways of accessing their social grant payments.”

For any enquiries customers can contact Postbank on 0800 53 54 55.