The Ekurhuleni metro warns the public to be aware of a Grant-in-Aid scam, apparently run by a person claiming to be an employee of the City.
The City has been inundated with complaints from residents who are receiving calls from the scammer soliciting money to purportedly fast-track their Grant-in-Aid applications.
According to Ekurhuleni metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe, the scammer solicits amounts ranging from R1 500 from applicants. He apparently recites their personal information contained in their applications to gain their trust.
“The City informs all Grant-in-Aid applicants that applications for Grant-in-Aid are handled and processed free of charge,” Gadebe said.
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The following pointers provided below may assist to differentiate scammers from legit communication by the City:
- The name of the City is City of Ekurhuleni, not Ekurhuleni Municipality.
- Landlines in the City have the 999 prefix
- The email address for staff is person’s name.surname@ekurhuleni.gov.za and not XXX@ekurhuleni-gov.org or any other variation
- The City urges companies and individuals to be very vigilant and to verify information on the website www.ekurhuleni.gov.zaTo report fraud and corruption phone 0800 102 201.
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