The SASSA has warned the public that a social media advert claiming to offer free food parcels is fake. The agency confirmed that it did not issue the advert and that the information shown in the circulating image should not be treated as an official SASSA announcement.
The misleading advert uses SASSA’s name, logo, and colours to appear genuine. It claims that food parcels are available to grant recipients, unemployed people, low-income families, elderly and disabled citizens, and South African citizens. It also directs people to an outside website and a WhatsApp number. SASSA’s warning makes it clear that the promotion is not connected to the agency, despite the use of official-looking branding and references to free assistance.
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Fake advert promises free SASSA food parcels
The advert informs the public that free food parcels are available to households in need. It claims that no payment is required and gives instructions for applying online or contacting a WhatsApp number.
However, SASSA has officially labelled the advert as fake and confirmed that it was not issued by the agency. The false notice should not be confused with an approved social assistance programme or an official food relief announcement.
The fake advert contains several claims, including:
- Free food parcels are available from SASSA.
- Grant recipients and unemployed people qualify.
- Applicants can use an outside website.
- Applications can be made through a WhatsApp number.
- People should keep an identity document and proof of residence ready.
These application instructions do not form part of the official SASSA notice.
Details shown in the fraudulent promotion
| Claim in the advert | Official position |
|---|---|
| SASSA is distributing free food parcels | SASSA says the advert is fake and was not issued by the agency |
| An outside website can be used to apply | The website displayed in the advert is not presented as an official SASSA service |
| A WhatsApp number offers information and assistance | The number appears in the fake advert and was not endorsed in SASSA’s warning |
| Several groups automatically qualify | SASSA did not confirm the stated qualifying categories |
| The service is completely free | The entire promotion has been declared fake |
Official branding does not prove that an advert is genuine
The fraudulent image displays the SASSA logo, the agency’s name and a stamp designed to look official. It also uses bold wording such as “free food parcels” and “no payment required” to attract attention.
Scam notices may copy government colours, logos and public-service language to create trust. The presence of a SASSA logo does not, by itself, confirm that a message came from the agency.
Official SASSA announcements can be checked through the SASSA website and the agency’s verified social media accounts. A genuine notice should direct beneficiaries to recognised government platforms and confirmed contact channels.
Personal information requested in the fake advert
The advert tells people to keep an identity document and proof of residence ready. These records contain sensitive personal information that could be misused when submitted through an unknown website, WhatsApp number or unofficial application form.
Beneficiaries should not enter or send the following information through links attached to the fake promotion:
- Identity document numbers or photographs.
- Bank account details, card numbers or PINs.
- Home addresses and proof of residence.
- SASSA application details or grant reference numbers.
- One-time passwords received by cellphone.
SASSA does not require beneficiaries to pay a person or private operator to access an approved social grant service.
How to check a SASSA announcement
Members of the public can compare a circulating message with notices published through SASSA’s official channels. Messages containing unfamiliar website addresses, private WhatsApp numbers, urgent instructions or requests for sensitive information should be checked before any action is taken.
The agency’s verified X account regularly publishes grant notices, payment information and warnings about false advertisements. Beneficiaries can also obtain official information from the SASSA online portal or a recognised SASSA office.
FAKE NEWS ALERT. Please note that this advert is fake and was not issued by SASSA.
— SASSA (@OfficialSASSA) View the official warning
