Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) has warned residents to be on high alert after reports of fraudsters pretending to be municipal officials in an attempt to solicit money and personal information.

To prevent residents from falling victim, MCLM outlined its official procedures for payments, recruitment, credit control and advertising.

According to MCLM communications officer Refilwe Mahlangu, the municipality never requests upfront fees or banking details.

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Payments are only accepted at municipal pay points or via EFT – Mogale is listed as a public beneficiary at all major banks.

“No official is allowed to demand payment via phone or WhatsApp. Regarding recruitment, the municipality does not charge fees for job applications, credit checks, or interviews,” she said.

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Only positions advertised on official municipal channels, ie, website, official social media platforms and national newspapers are valid.

Mahlangu also emphasised that Credit Control Officials cannot disconnect services without due process.

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“Any credit control action will be preceded by a seven-day written notice bearing the Mogale City logo, delivered to your property. Never pay any amount to an individual to avoid a disconnection threat. Advertisements, jobs, tenders and quotations are only advertised on municipal platforms or targeted newspapers. RDP houses are not for sale. They are provided free through the Gauteng Provincial Government. No Mogale City official, service provider or contractor can bypass processes to assist you,” Mahlangu concluded.