Sunningdale homeowner aids in arrest of suspect impersonating municipal water official
No money was exchanged in the incident but the scam involves criminals dressed as municipal officials allegedly soliciting bribes from residents, claiming they have been sent to disconnect their water over ‘unpaid fees’.
A QUICK-THINKING homeowner alerted authorities to a scam after he was approached by a man claiming to be a municipal worker from the eThekwini Water Services Directorate on Tuesday afternoon (August 26).
The water disconnection scam involves criminals posing as municipal officials and allegedly soliciting bribes from residents claiming they have been sent to disconnect water supply over ‘unpaid fees’.
Just last week the City sent out a warning to residents around Durban about the scam, saying they do not collect cash on the spot, nor send employees to collect money directly from residents.
Related article: PR councillor warns of water disconnection scam
In the latest incident on Tuesday, the suspect was arrested wearing clothing normally worn by a municipal worker.
“Over the past few months, multiple reports surfaced of individuals posing as municipal workers from the water department. The scammers allegedly delivered fraudulent notices to homeowners, claiming their water services would be disconnected due to unpaid fees,” explained Marshall Security spokesperson Tyron Powell.
“The notices instructed residents to contact a fake representative via a provided phone number to meet on site, where unsuspecting victims could be coerced into paying money electronically or in cash on the spot to stop them from disconnecting the water,” he said.
Powell added the suspect was handed over to the Durban North SAPS.
“Officials from the eThekwini Municipality were also contacted and and confirmed the suspect is not an eThekwini Municipality official,” he said.
A case of fraud has been opened at the station.
- Residents who are approached for bribes are urged to report this to the City’s Integrity and Investigations Directorate by calling the toll-free number 0800 20 20 20 or 031 311 4002 or send an email to ombuds@durban.gov.za
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