SASSA probes alleged Liberty Promenade scam targeting pensioners for IDs and photos

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is investigating allegations that individuals are posing as officials at Liberty Promenade Shopping Centre, photographing pensioners, and requesting their identity numbers. The investigation follows a complaint from a pensioner who reported a young man taking her photograph and claiming to work for SASSA.

The pensioner was reportedly told to provide her identity number to ensure her grant continued and an increase would be given. Similar complaints have been made online, alleging that beneficiaries were approached by people with SASSA identification cards asking for personal information. In some cases, beneficiaries reported missing money from their accounts, including R120.

SASSA Western Cape spokesperson Shivani Wahab stated that SASSA views such impersonation allegations very seriously and that the agency does not conduct programs where officials randomly approach older persons, photograph them, and request their identity numbers. SASSA conducts grant reviews and identity verification processes, but beneficiaries are formally notified and directed to an official SASSA office, authorized service point, or secure platform.

SASSA emphasized that no official can promise an increase in exchange for personal information, and increases are determined by government and announced through official channels. SASSA has escalated the Liberty Promenade allegation to its fraud, compliance, and security structures for verification and will engage the shopping center to determine if further information or security footage is available.

Should evidence of criminal conduct be established, the matter will be referred to the South African Police Service for investigation. Liberty Promenade management stated they were not aware of any confirmed incidents of scamming at the center but have implemented heightened monitoring during periods of increased activity. The Cape Argus asked the South African Police Service (SAPS) about similar cases in Cape Town or the Western Cape, but SAPS had not responded by the time of publication.

SASSA warned beneficiaries not to rely on identification badges, not to disclose personal information to unsolicited individuals, and to report suspicious approaches to center security and the police.