Scammers target Lesedi residents with fake WhatsApp electricity disconnection notices
Lesedi Local Municipality has alerted residents to a surge in fraudsters posing as credit control officials on WhatsApp, urging the public to verify all payment requests and avoid falling to electricity disconnection scams
The Lesedi Local Municipality has issued a warning to residents across the region following a rise in fraud cases involving individuals posing as officials from the municipality’s Credit Control Department.
According to the municipality, scammers are contacting residents via WhatsApp, falsely claiming that properties are scheduled for electricity disconnection due to outstanding municipal accounts.
The messages or screenshots are designed to appear official, in an attempt to pressure residents into making immediate payments.
Victims are instructed to deposit money into private bank accounts or send payments via e-wallets linked to cellphone numbers, with fraudsters promising that the disconnection will be halted once payment is made.
Photo: supplied
The municipality has confirmed that these claims are false and form part of a deliberate scam targeting unsuspecting residents.
Lesedi Local Municipality has emphasised that it does not communicate with residents via WhatsApp regarding credit control matters, disconnection notices, or payment requests.
No municipal official or appointed service provider is authorised to request payments through messaging platforms.
The municipality warned that scammers have been forwarding fake WhatsApp messages allegedly from the Credit Control Department to make the scheme appear legitimate.
Residents are strongly advised not to engage with such messages, not to share personal information, and not to make any payments based on WhatsApp communication.
The municipality has reiterated that the only legitimate banking details for municipal payments are those printed on official Lesedi Local Municipality account statements.
Residents who are uncertain about their account status are urged to contact the municipality directly through official channels.
Account enquiries may be made on 016 466 2027 or 016 466 2028, while credit control offices can be reached on 016 466 2045, 016 466 1858, or 016 466 1859.
Lesedi Local Municipality has called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, warning that fraudsters often exploit fear and urgency to steal money from the public.
