Pretoria: The South African Police Service (SAPS) has urged the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant during times of payout. This is to ensure the personal safety and property of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant recipients.

According to South African Government News Agency, in order to stay safe when accessing your SASSA grant, the following safety tips are recommended: Keep your personal and payment information confidential. Protect your SASSA card and PIN at all times. Be cautious of strangers around ATMs. Be aware of your payment dates and consider waiting a few days after the scheduled date to avoid large crowds at payment points. Be wary of unsolicited calls or messages asking for your personal details or card information.

SAPS further advises beneficiaries to be alert and aware of their surroundings before and after using an ATM. Avoid using ATMs with blank screens or those located in poorly lit or secluded areas. Consider going with a friend or a family member when collecting cash. Be suspicious of strangers who offer help or claim there’s a problem with the ATM. Security personnel stationed at ATMs are there to deter criminal activity and are not authorised to assist with transactions.

The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity or criminal incidents by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, the SASSA grant and fraud hotline at 0800 601, or via the MySAPS App.