Many South Africans have recently seen messages online claiming that they can apply for a new R700 grant from SASSA. These messages are shared mostly through social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. The messages often include links to fake websites pretending to be official application portals.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has now made it clear that these messages are not true. There is no such R700 grant in 2025. SASSA has asked people to be careful and to only trust information shared through their official platforms. They have also warned the public about the risks of sharing personal details with unknown sources.
In this article, we’ll explain where this fake message started, what SASSA has officially said, how to spot a scam, what to do if you receive one, and what real grants are actually available in 2025. If you or someone you know depends on SASSA support, keep reading to stay informed and safe.
Where Did the Fake R700 Grant Message Come From?
The false news about the R700 grant began on platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook. The message said that South Africans between 18 and 65 years old could get R700 every month by applying through a shared link. It also claimed that over 675,000 people had already been paid.
This is not the first time scammers have used SASSA’s name to trick people. These scams are meant to steal your private information, like your ID number or bank details. The links in these messages often lead to fake websites that look real but are dangerous.
SASSA’s Statement on the R700 Grant Rumors
SASSA has clearly stated that there is no R700 grant for 2025. The agency has not launched any new grant under this amount. They have warned people not to trust random messages or websites claiming otherwise.
Key points from SASSA’s official warning:
- There is no such grant as the R700 grant.
- SASSA did not create or approve the messages being shared.
- All grant news is only announced through official channels.
SASSA advises people to follow these platforms for correct updates:
- www.sassa.gov.za
- Government press releases
- SASSA regional offices
- Trusted news agencies
How to Spot a Fake Grant Scam
With so many scams happening, it’s important to know what to look out for. Here are some signs that the message you received might be fake:
- Strange website links: Fake websites look similar to SASSA’s site but have odd spellings or different web addresses.
- Asking for sensitive info: Real grant forms will never ask for your PIN, passwords, or banking passwords.
- Bad grammar or spelling: Official messages from SASSA are well-written. Scam messages often have many mistakes.
- Too good to be true: If the message says that “hundreds of thousands” already got the money but there’s no news about it, it’s likely false.
What to Do If You Receive a Scam Message
If someone sends you a message about the R700 grant, do not panic. Here are the steps you should take:
- Don’t click the link in the message.
- Go directly to SASSA’s official website to check if the grant is real.
- Report the scam to SASSA or local police.
- Warn your family and friends so they don’t fall for the same trick.
Protecting your personal information is very important. Scammers often use it to steal your money or identity.
Always Use Trusted Sources for Grant Information
If you ever need to apply for a SASSA grant or want to learn about a new one, always go to trusted platforms. Avoid using random websites or links sent by strangers. Doing this will help keep your private details safe and ensure that you only get the correct information.
When you use the official SASSA website or visit a local office, you’ll get the right help, and your personal data will be protected.