SASSA Automated Fraud Screening Flag: “Pattern Conflict” (2025 Fix Guide)

SASSA’s 2025 security upgrade introduced a new automated fraud-screening engine that monitors every SRD applicant for unusual patterns. One of the newest and most confusing error messages people are seeing is “Pattern Conflict.”

This guide explains what it means, why your account triggered it, and what steps you can take to clear the flag and restore your eligibility.

See Also: SASSA Status Check

What Does “Pattern Conflict” Mean?

A “Pattern Conflict” flag appears when the SASSA AI detects activity that doesn’t match your usual behaviour or identifies patterns that may resemble fraud.

This doesn’t automatically mean you did anything wrong. It simply means the system saw something unexpected, such as changes in your log-in activity, personal details, device usage, or financial patterns.

The AI compares your behaviour to your previous history and to general behavioural models to confirm your identity.
Whenever something falls outside your “expected pattern,” you may be flagged.

Why the Pattern Conflict Flag Was Introduced

After the rise of SIM-swaps, account takeovers, and false SRD registrations, SASSA rolled out a machine-learning tool designed to detect suspicious digital behaviours in real time.

The new system watches for:

Identity inconsistencies
Sudden changes to personal details
Access from different devices or locations
Irregular bank information
Login attempts outside your normal pattern

If anything deviates strongly, the system pauses your verification to protect your profile.

Install: SASSA App

What Usually Triggers a “Pattern Conflict” Flag?

Recent Changes to Personal Information: If you recently updated your name, surname, mobile number, bank account, or address, the system may detect the shift as unusual and temporarily flag your account.

Logging In From a New Device or Location: The AI tracks your digital behaviour. Logging in from a new phone, using public WiFi, activating a VPN, or even moving provinces can cause a short-term conflict.

RICA or SIM Activity That Doesn’t Match Your ID: If your SIM is not registered to your own ID — or if you recently RICA’d a new SIM — the system may pause your verification until it confirms ownership.

Multiple Profile Attempts Under Your ID: Sometimes users forget they have an older SASSA profile or accidentally create duplicates. The system reads this as conflicting identity patterns.

Bank Account Ownership Issues: If your bank account belongs to someone else, or your bank profile recently updated, SASSA’s AI may detect conflicting financial behavior.

Check Out (For SASSA Beneficeries): SASSA Payment Dates

How to Fix a SASSA “Pattern Conflict” Flag

Reconfirm Your Identity Through Biometrics

SASSA gives biometric verification the highest trust value.
Open the SRD portal or app and complete a fresh facial scan. This alone often clears the conflict.

Ensure Your RICA SIM Matches Your ID

If your SIM is registered under another person’s name, your digital identity won’t match your profile.
Visit your mobile provider and re-register the SIM under your ID.

Check That Your Bank Profile Matches Your Home Affairs Record

Your bank must have your exact legal name and ID number.
If you recently changed accounts or updated details, give the system time to sync or re-enter your banking information on the SRD portal.

Try Logging In From Your Usual Device and Location

SASSA’s AI becomes confused when your digital pattern suddenly changes.
Using the same phone and network helps stabilise the system.

Contact SASSA for a Manual Pattern Review

If the conflict persists for more than 72 hours, call SASSA or visit a branch. Explain that your account is flagged for “Pattern Conflict” and request a manual digital identity review.