Beware of Fake Sassa Job Adverts: What You Need to Know

The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has issued a firm warning to the public. This came after a wave of fake job advertisements circulated online. These fraudulent posts, which have appeared on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), falsely claim that Sassa is hiring for positions like “Finance Clerks 2025” and “Grant Administrators (x21).”

These adverts promise attractive salaries—reportedly R22 412 per month with no prior experience required. They also attempt to mislead job seekers by listing popular locations such as Sassa’s head office in Pretoria and other unspecified “selected Sassa offices in South Africa.” More alarmingly, they direct applicants to websites that are not affiliated with Sassa or any official government department.

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Sassa Denounces Fake Job Posts

In a recent statement shared via social media, Sassa made it clear that these job listings are entirely fake. “Please note that all official Sassa vacancies are advertised only through our official website and trusted government platforms,” the agency said. They urged South Africans not to be fooled by unofficial sources and to always verify information directly through their official website.

These fake job posts are part of a growing trend of online scams that target desperate job seekers, especially those looking for secure government employment. Given the country’s high unemployment rate, scammers often exploit vulnerable individuals by offering seemingly legitimate opportunities.

How to Identify a Fake Sassa Job Advert

To protect yourself, it’s essential to know how to spot a scam. Here are a few red flags to look out for:

• Unverified websites: If the link isn’t on the official Sassa or South African Government websites (.gov.za), it’s likely a scam.
• Too-good-to-be-true salaries: Posts offering high pay for entry-level positions with no experience required should raise alarm.
• Poor grammar and vague language: Most fake adverts contain spelling errors, vague job descriptions, and generic office locations.
• Lack of official logos or branding: While scammers may attempt to copy official documents, slight differences in logos, formatting, and contact details can give them away.

Related Scam: Postbank Warns Beneficiaries

Unfortunately, fake job adverts aren’t the only scam currently making rounds. Last month, Postbank issued a separate warning to Sassa grant beneficiaries regarding fraudsters impersonating bank officials. According to Postbank, criminals are visiting grant recipients’ homes—sometimes wearing branded clothing or driving vehicles marked with fake logos—under the pretense of needing to “fix” their Postbank cards.

These scammers convince victims to hand over their cards and PINs, promising that failure to comply will result in disrupted grant payments. Once the criminals have the PIN and card, they empty the beneficiary’s account.

Postbank responded by assuring the public that it does not make unsolicited home visits. “Postbank will never visit your home unless you have requested that through the necessary home visits channels,” the bank emphasized. It also reiterated that Postbank will never ask for your card PIN, as doing so violates standard banking protocols.

READ MORE: SASSA Warns: Grant Money at Risk as Bank Fees Rise for Recipients Using Personal Accounts

How to Stay Safe

Whether you’re searching for a job or relying on social grants, staying informed and vigilant is your first line of defense against scammers. Here are some tips to protect yourself:

1. Use Official Channels Only: Always refer to the official Sassa website or the SA government job portal when applying for any government job.
2. Verify Information: If you see a job advert or receive a suspicious message, cross-check it with official sources before taking any action.
3. Protect Your Personal Information: Never share your ID number, banking details, or PIN with anyone unless you’re certain they are a verified official.
4. Report Suspicious Activity: If you come across a scam, report it to Sassa, Postbank, or your local police station.

Final Thoughts

In times of economic hardship, it’s not unusual for fraudsters to take advantage of hopeful job seekers and vulnerable grant recipients. But by staying alert and only trusting verified platforms, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these scams.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a Sassa-related scam, contact Sassa directly or report the incident to the authorities. Let’s work together to put an end to online fraud and misinformation.