Formal Complaint Regarding *****ulent Activity Targeting a Pensioner

I am writing to lodge a formal complaint regarding a **** that has affected my mother, who is a pensioner. Earlier this year, individuals approached her and other elderly people in the community, claiming to act on behalf of SASSA. They collected pensioners’ ID numbers and took their photographs, promising that they would receive groceries from SASSA. They also handed out a pamphlet with the name “Defence on Demand” and the contact number ***. At the end of January, my mother did not receive her pension payment. When she went to SASSA to enquire, she was informed that a portion of her pension had been paid to Clientèle Life. However, she was not given clarity on where the remaining balance had gone. We contacted Clientèle Life, but they requested verification of information that my mother does not recognise and has never agreed to. She has never entered into any agreement with them. Her personal details were taken without her informed consent, and she was not made aware of how they would be used. This situation is deeply concerning, as it appears that elderly pensioners are being deliberately targeted and exploited. We are also concerned about how these deductions were authorised and whether there may be internal involvement, as such deductions should not occur without proper consent and verification. We urgently request a full investigation into this matter, a reversal of any unauthorised deductions, and assurance that measures will be put in place to protect vulnerable pensioners from such ****s in the future. The elderly deserve protection and dignity, not exploitation.