AS of October 1, the eThekwini Municipality acquired a new banking partner, FNB, following a review of the previous partner whose term expired in September.

With the new banking partner came reports of fraudulent acts, of individuals attempting to extort money from customers by using an FNB account that is not linked to the Municipality.

The City warned, “The modus operandi of these criminals involves sending customers emails from Gmail accounts or WhatsApp messages, fraudulently requesting payment for municipal services into a fake FNB account. We urge all customers not to fall prey to this scam.”

Also read: City warns of fake debt relief advert

Important tips to remember:
• The City will never send an email from a Gmail account
• You will never receive a WhatsApp message requesting payment
• The correct FNB account number for eThekwini Municipality is 63165746323 — this appears on your official Municipal bill
• When paying via EFT, always use the public beneficiary “eThekwini Municipality” found on your banking app.

Payments can also be done at Pick ‘n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, Shoprite U-Save, Boxer, Ackermans, Builders, Cambridge Food, Flash, Game, Makro, PEP, Spar, Rhino Cash n Carry, and Top it Up.
Customers are urged to report any suspicious communication or requests for payment to their nearest Sizakala Centre or call 0800 20 20 20.

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