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.
Freedom Front Plus Parliamentary Presence: It has seats in the National Assembly and various provincial legislatures.
What is Fraud? “Fraud” is any activity that relies on deception in order to achieve a gain. Fraud becomes a crime when it is a “knowing misrepresentation of the truth or concealment of a material fact to induce another to act to his or her detriment” (Black’s Law Dictionary). In other words, if you lie in order to deprive a person or organization of their money or property, you’re committing fraud.