ETHEKWINI Municipality has warned its customers about a recent spate of fraudulent activities involving individuals impersonating municipal employees.
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In a statement, the City said its electricity unit had received reports of attempts to extort money from residents, with perpetrators claiming to represent the unit.
“It has come to our attention that customers are contacted and told that their municipal accounts are in arrears. These impersonators threaten disconnection of services unless immediate payment is made, thereby attempting to coerce residents into providing financial information or making payments directly to them. The City is actively investigating these cases in collaboration with the police, committed to protecting residents from fraud and identifying how these criminals are acquiring sensitive customer information,” it said.
Residents are reminded that legitimate municipal employees will never demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten disconnection without prior notice.
Anyone who receives suspicious calls is urged to report it immediately to the City’s Integrity and Investigations Unit on 0800 20 20 20 or via email at ombuds@durban.gov.za.
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