The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) warns Tshwane Metro residents to beware of a nationwide scam where individuals impersonate municipal officials.
Strangers with fake or no identification are presumably attempting to unlawfully gain access to properties.
Scammers send SMS or WhatsApp messages to residents, claiming that their water and electricity supply will be disconnected due to “non-payment”.
One case in Tshwane involved a person identifying themselves as Sibusiso Khumalo, who sent a message to a resident stating that their water supply would be cut off within two hours unless a certain amount was paid immediately.
A simple inquiry by the resident confirmed that their account was up to date and no disconnection order had been issued.
These messages are causing a lot of confusion and are presumably aimed at gaining access to private properties.
The Freedom Front Plus urges residents to keep the following in mind when contacted by an unknown person regarding a so-called “overdue” municipal account:
- • No person without official identification should be allowed access to a property without an official appointment.
• Officials must present a valid ID card showing their name, photo and staff number.
• Officials must use officially marked vehicles.
• Services may not be disconnected without prior official notice.
What to do if you receive a suspicious message:
• Do not respond to the message.
• Contact the metro or municipality’s customer service to verify the status of your account.
• In Tshwane’s case, a message can be sent to customercare@tshwane.gov.za.
• Report the incident to the Metro’s fraud hotline at 0800 701 701 and your nearest police station.
• Save all communication for a possible police investigation.
It is crucial that residents know their rights so scammers cannot pressure them.
