The City of Johannesburg is warning residents to be vigilant and not fall victim to fake municipal accounts.
This after a report of a fake City of Johannesburg account on Facebook circulated recently.
A resident warned that information was lacking on their statement they received in the post and that it was printed on poor quality paper.
The City’s group finance spokesperson, Stan Maphologela, said that the City was not aware of fake accounts circulating, but advised residents to verify their account statements by visiting the nearest customer service centre.
Residents can visit www.joburg.org.za and click on e-services to register for an e-statement. They can also call the City’s call centre at 086 056 2874, option one offers an automated balance enquiry system, he said.
“We warn customers to be aware of dubious collection agents tricking customers to make payments into alternative accounts other than the City’s official account. No other accounts other than that of the City’s, which is preloaded on all major banks, will be recognised for any payments,” Maphologela said.
“We want the public to be aware that under no circumstances must they fall into the trap of getting involved in any form of bribing, quick fixes or money exchanging relating to their municipal accounts.”
Residents can report any suspicious behaviour or fraudulent activities to the City’s fraud hotline on 080 000 2587 or Metro police on 080 020 3712.
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