Police Urge Caution During October SASSA Grant Payments

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape has urged all South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries to stay alert and cautious during the October 2025 grant payment period. The warning comes as thousands of South Africans prepare to collect their monthly grants at ATMs, pay points, and retail outlets across the country. 

Police officials say their goal is to ensure a safe,crime-free environment for all grant recipients, many of whom are pensioners, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Criminals often target beneficiaries during payout periods, making safety awareness more important than ever. 

“We urge all SASSA beneficiaries to be vigilant, protect their personal details and report any suspicious activity, ”Said a SAPS spokesperson in a statement released this week. 

The police have shared several safety guidelines to help the public avoid theft, scams, and fraud during this busy time.

The police emphasised that beneficiaries should never share personal or payment details with anyone. This includes SASSA card numbers, PINs, ID numbers, or passwords.

Keep your SASSA card and PIN safe, or bank staff may trick people into revealing private information. Once they have access to a card or PIN, they can easily withdraw all the money.

Fraudsters often pretend to be SASSA officials or bank staff to trick people into revealing private information. Once they have access to a card or PIN, they easily withdraw all the money from the beneficiary's account.

The public is also reminded that SASSA will never call, message, or email anyone to ask for personal or payment details. Any such message should be treated as a scam.

ATMs are one of the most common places where grant-related crimes occur. The police advise beneficiaries to be extra cautious when withdrawing cash.

If possible, avoid using ATMs in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night. Always check that the ATM screen is working before inserting your card. A blank or flickering screen could be a sign of tampering.

“If something  doesn't look right, rather move to another ATM,” the statement said.”Criminals sometimes install devices that can steal your card or read your information.”

Beneficiaries should also watch out for strangers who offer help at ATMs.SAPS says security guards stationed near ATMs are there to prevent crime, not help with banking transactions.

Don't allow anyone to handle your card, no matter how friendly they seem. If you need help, ask a trusted friend or family member to go with you, ”the police advised.

Every month, long queues form at post offices, shops, and ATM areas when social grants are paid out. Crowded areas make it easier for pickpockets and scammers to cooperate unnoticed on payment day, if possible.

To reduce this risk, SAPS recommends that beneficiaries avoid collecting money on the first payment day if possible.

”Be aware of your payment dates and consider waiting a few days after the scheduled date to avoid large crowds,” the statement read.

Collecting your grant later also makes the process faster and safer. Payment systems remain active throughout the month, so beneficiaries do not need to withdraw their grants immediately.

SASSA has confirmed the official payment dates for October 2025. Beneficiaries are urged to take note of the following schedule:

• Old Age Grant: Thursday, October 2, 2025

• Disability Grant: Friday October 3, 2025

• Child Support Grant and other Grants: Monday, October 6, 2025

• Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant (R370): Between October 24 and 30,2025 (weekdays only)

The agency has assured beneficiaries that funds will remain in their accounts until they are withdrawn. There is no need to rush or worry about losing the money if it is not collected immediately.

Police are encouraging beneficiaries to plan their trips carefully and to stay aware of their surroundings before and after collecting their grants.

Walking alone with cash can make someone an easy target. Beneficiaries are advised to go with a family member or friend whenever possible.

“If you can avoid carrying large amounts of cash,” the police said.”Use a SASSA card for purchases or transfers instead of withdrawing everything at once.

The police also recommend being alert when leaving an ATM or pay point. Look around to make sure no one is following you. If you feel unsafe, go into a nearby shop, police station, or public area until you can get assistance.

SAPS has urged the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity during the grant payout period.

Beneficiaries can contact:

• `Crime Stop:0860010111

• SASSA Grant and Fraud Hotline:0800601011

• MySAPS App: Available on smartphones for reporting crimes or suspicious incidents directly.

When reporting, try to include as much detail as possible, such as where the incident happened, what the suspect looked like, and any vehicle details. The police say this information helps them respond faster and prevent future crimes.

SAPS says that while police officers and security personnel will be deployed at many payment points. Personal awareness remains the best defence against crime.

“We can only do so much. We need the public’s help to stay alert, share information, and report wrongdoing,” a SAPS official said.

Beneficiaries are also reminded that criminals often target the elderly, who may not be familiar with digital banking or security practices . Families and caregivers are urged to assist older relatives by accompanying them on payment days or teaching them how to protect their cards and PINs.

SASSA continues to promote electronic payments as a safer and more convenient way to receive grants. Beneficiaries can use their cards for shopping, transferring,  or online payments without needing to withdraw cash.

Electronic payments reduce the chances of theft and make it easier for beneficiaries to track their spending.SASSA also works with banks and mobile networks to detect and block suspicious transactions quickly. 

However, officials say scammers are constantly finding new ways to trick people. That is why awareness campaigns like the one led by SAPS are so important.

“Criminals keep changing their tricks. The best way to fight back is to stay informed and cautious,” the SAPS spokesperson said

Police are asking community leaders, local organisations, and businesses to help spread the safety message. Posters and public announcements are being shared in towns and villages across the Northern Cape

The police say teamwork between communities and law enforcement can make a big difference in keeping beneficiaries safe.

“Together, we can make the grant payment period safe and peaceful for everyone,” said the statement.

As the October payout period begins, SASSA is encouraging beneficiaries to plan ahead, stay alert, and follow the safety guidelines.

By being careful with their cards and PINs, avoiding crowds, and reporting suspicious activity, beneficiaries can enjoy a smooth and stress-free grant collection experience.

The key message is simple: stay safe, stay smart, and stay aware.