TZANEEN – Residents are cautioning others about a scam involving fraudulent calls demanding immediate payment for overdue electricity bills.

According to messages circulating in local community groups, a scammer named “Michael” has been contacting people, falsely claiming their electricity will be disconnected if they do not immediately transfer money into a specified bank account. One resident reported that the scammer used the phone numbers 077 422 3025 and 060 017 7442.

The resident also mentioned speaking to a contact at Absa Bank, who confirmed that such an account should not be used for payments. Furthermore, an official at the Greater Tzaneen Municipality has verified that this is a scam, warning that the scammers may use different phone numbers to continue their fraudulent activities.

The fraudulent bank account being used is an Absa Bank account: Distribution Energy Power Supply.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant, not make any payments, and report any suspicious calls to the authorities.