SASSA has alerted Capitec bank clients that the fraud warning is on top of the list and has advised the grant recipients to be very vigilant as the attacks from the part of the scammers will be escalating from January 2026 onwards. The announcement has been made due to the increasing number of cases where the scammers have stolen grant payments, gained unauthorized access to the accounts, and sent messages deceiving the people who are very susceptible to the traps.
Reason for Targeting Capitec Users
SASSA has reported that the fraud syndicate’s attention has been increasingly drawn to the Capitec-linked grant accounts because they are the most common ones among the buyers. By using fake messages and impersonation tactics, the fraudsters are making up and acting out the trust in the common banking channels and are thus able to get the sensitive information from the recipients.
3 Main Types of Scams Coming Up in January 2026
SASSA has witnessed a growing number of fraudulent calls, SMS, and social media conversations that are presenting themselves as coming from officials or bank employees. Such scams generally inform the target about grant suspension and steal the user’s detail under the pretense of verification, thus inviting the victim to disclose their PINs or one-time passwords.
How the Money for Grants Is Stolen
The moment the scammers have the personal or banking information, they would then be able to change the direct deposit of the grant, create withdrawals, or even carry out the transactions that are not authorized. Quite a few times, the beneficiaries realize only when they do not get the payment from SASSA that is expected.
SASSA’s Communication to the Grant Beneficiaries
SASSA has highlighted that it will never request the users’ PINs, passwords, or OTPs through telephonic or textual communication. The grant receivers are advised to regard any such communication as fake and to be extremely careful even when the messages seem to be official or time-critical.
How Is Digital Banking Contributing to the An Increase in Fraud?
As the grant disbursements depend more and more on digital banking, the fraudsters are becoming more and more skilled at their craft. Although cutting-edge systems provide comfort, they also place a heightened obligation on the users to be aware and on guard, especially those who are not yet accustomed to the online security risks.
What Should the Beneficiaries Do If They Have a Fraud Suspicions?
SASSA recommends that the recipients who suspect any fraudulent transactions or who experience missing funds immediately take action to secure their bank account and report the issue through the proper channels. Sometimes prompt action can save further losses and help in investigations.
Importance of the Warning in 2026
Many South Africans depend on social grants as the main source of income and losing just one payment may pose severe financial hardships. The warning about fraud in January 2026 illustrates the evolving nature of scams and the necessity of remaining constantly alert.
Becoming More Watchful Aganst Scams That Are On The Rise
The scammers keep changing their ways of operation and SASSA keeps urging the users of Capitec to always be alert, to doubt any unexpected messages, and to keep their personal data safe. Knowledge and carefulness will be the best shield against the fraud related to grants in the year 2026.