By Selloane Ntshonyane
- They dress like real officials, carry forged ID cards and uniforms, and send fake SMS messages and letters to fool residents. Many families panic when these scammers warn that their lights or water will be cut.
- Some pose as meter readers and demand a “call-out fee” before forcing their way into homes. Others pretend to be electricity technicians or debt collectors. They hand over fake disconnection notices to push people into making quick payments.
In one common scam, residents receive an SMS that looks real. It claims their water or electricity will be switched off unless they make an urgent bank transfer. The bank details lead straight to the criminals.
Email scams are also spreading. Criminals use the City’s name and logo to try to get people’s personal information or payments.
The City of Johannesburg warns it never collects cash at people’s homes. It says residents must pay only through official City accounts or trusted services like EasyPay, Pick n Pay, the Post Office or the City’s website.
Real City workers arrive in branded vehicles and carry proper IDs and a job card.
Kgamanyane Maphologela from the City says scammers are using forged documents and fake bank details to trick residents.
“We urge all customers to remain alert, verify information, and report any suspicious behaviour immediately. Protecting our community is a shared responsibility,” he said.
Pictured above: City of Johannesburg officials and vehicle
Image source: City of Johannesburg
