Someone Changed My SASSA Phone Number - What To Do (2026)

If OTPs from SASSA stopped arriving at your usual cellphone, or you received an SMS from SASSA confirming a phone-number change you did not request, someone may have submitted a change against your ID. This is a known SRD fraud pattern. Your grant is not automatically cancelled - but you need to act within the 24-hour risk-analysis window SASSA runs before a new number goes live.

How SASSA flags a phone-number change

When SASSA processes any phone-number change, they send the real beneficiary a confirmation SMS containing a personalised link of the form:

https://srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/<long-code>

That page shows the sentence:

"By submitting my ID number, I confirm that my cell phone number used for my SASSA SRD R370 grant application was changed without my permission."

Entering your 13-digit SA ID and submitting the form triggers SASSA's unauthorized-change endpoint and freezes the change. This is the only URL that works. There is no generic /sc19/auth page - the link is tied to your specific request. If you cannot find the SMS, you will need to call SASSA and visit an office.

Step-by-step: what to do right now

1. Find the SASSA confirmation SMS on the old number (if you still have access to it) or on any phone that used to receive SASSA SMS for this application. Look for a URL starting srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/. Click the link and submit your ID number to register the change as unauthorized.
2. If you cannot find the SMS or the link has expired, call SASSA immediately on 0800 60 10 11 and say you suspect an unauthorized phone-number change on your SRD application.
3. Visit your nearest SASSA office with your original South African ID document as soon as possible. Ask them to flag the application for fraud review and update the number to your real cellphone. Use our SASSA Branch Finder to find the closest one.
4. Report any SIM swap separately. Contact your mobile network (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom) and your bank. SRD phone-change fraud is often paired with a SIM-swap scam targeting banking OTPs.
5. Open a SAPS case for identity theft at your nearest police station. Keep the case number - SASSA can reference it when reinstating your correct details.
6. Check your payment details. Once the phone is fixed, confirm your banking details have not also been changed. If they have, update them back using the same official portal.
7. Change the number back to yours after the fraudulent change has been reversed, using the main change-phone guide.

How attackers do this (so you can prevent the next one)

Attackers typically get the victim's ID number from data leaks, phishing or staff collusion, then submit a phone-number change using the Lost Phone path. That path asks for the bank name and the last 4 digits of the account on file - often easy to skim from a shared till slip, a screenshot, or a phishing SMS. That is why guarding the last 4 digits of your account matters almost as much as the full number.

Practical steps to reduce your risk:

• Never post your ID number or bank account on social media or in a WhatsApp group, even for "verification".
• Never share an OTP. SASSA will never ask for yours.
• Treat any "SASSA" caller asking for banking details or ID as a scammer. Hang up and call 0800 60 10 11 yourself.
• If a shop or service asks you for your ID and account info together, push back - most do not need both.

What happens next at SASSA

Once you have submitted the SMS link and reported the fraud at an office, SASSA places your application on the risk-review queue. If the change was fraudulent:

• The incoming phone number is rejected and your old number (or a new one you provide at the office) is restored.
• Any payment that was about to be released to the fraudster is frozen.
• If a payment has already been released to a fraudulent channel, you can file a formal dispute with SASSA for recovery.

The full reversal typically takes 5 to 10 working days once SASSA has your ID and SAPS case number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my SASSA phone number was changed?

You will stop receiving SASSA SMS at your usual number, and you may get a SASSA SMS confirming the change. You can also log in at srd.sassa.gov.za/said to check the number currently on file.

What URL does SASSA use for reporting an unauthorized phone change?

A personalised link of the form srd.sassa.gov.za/sc19/<code>, sent to you by SMS. There is no generic fraud-report URL. If you do not have the SMS, call 0800 60 10 11.

Will my grant be cancelled?

No. Your application stays active. Payments may be delayed while SASSA investigates.

Can I report this via WhatsApp?

WhatsApp (082 054 0016) can log your report, but for an actual fraud case you must also call the toll-free line and visit a SASSA office. WhatsApp alone will not freeze a fraudulent change.

How long will it take to reverse?

5 to 10 working days after SASSA receives your ID and SAPS case number.

Should I open a police case?

Yes - for identity theft. Keep the SAPS case number, SASSA may ask for it.

Related SASSA Pages

• Change SASSA SRD phone number (main guide)
• Change SRD banking details
• Check SRD status
• Find your nearest SASSA office
• SASSA Post Office payments
• SRD Grant hub
• SASSA hub

Official SASSA Contacts

• Toll-free (fraud): 0800 60 10 11
• WhatsApp: 082 054 0016
• Email: GrantEnquiries@sassa.gov.za
• SRD portal: srd.sassa.gov.za