When To Use Says and Said

Says and said

“Says” is the singular simple present tense of the verb “say” and “said” is the simple past tense and also past participle of the verb “say”. You use “says” in a sentence when the subject is a singular noun or pronoun (except for “I” and “you”) and the sentence is in the simple present tense. “Said” is used with both singular and plural subjects. Here are some examples of their usage:

“She often says she is not pretty, but I think she is.”
“My grandma always says she is not ill, but only old.”
“Many people said hello to me at school yesterday.” (simple past tense)
“She is said to be very rich.” (past participle used with “is” to form a passive verb)



source: The Star Online - Mind Our English - Fadzillah Amin