Johannesburg: 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.

According to South African Government News Agency, Postbank issued a statement on Friday highlighting a recent scam where fraudsters impersonate Postbank officials and target social beneficiaries in their homes. The fraudsters deceive beneficiaries into handing over their Postbank grant cards and PINs by claiming that there is an issue requiring fixing on the cards or by instilling fear that they will not receive future grant payments if they do not comply.

Postbank has assured social grant beneficiaries that there are no issues with the black cards and SASSA gold cards, and both will continue to function beyond May 31, 2025, for grant payments. Beneficiaries are urged to be vigilant against fraudsters who may impersonate Postbank staff, even if they appear to be in uniform or use branded vehicles.

Beneficiaries are advised to look out for fraudsters who appear unannounced or without an appointment and ask for the card PIN. If approached by individuals pretending to be from Postbank, beneficiaries should quietly alert neighbors and the community, contact the police, and report the incident to Postbank at 0800 53 54 55.

To protect their card PINs, beneficiaries are reminded never to disclose their PIN to anyone, including Postbank officials, as it is against banking rules. They should memorize their PIN, avoid writing it down, or if necessary, ensure that the written PIN is stored separately from the card.

Postbank reiterated that it will not visit beneficiaries' homes unless invited through the proper channels and emphasized that cards and PINs are personal keys to their money. Beneficiaries should disregard anyone advising them to change their SASSA gold cards or Postbank black cards to other banks' payment methods, even if suggested by government officials.

Postbank remains committed to protecting its social grant customers while providing safe, secure, and convenient access to social grant payments.