Municipality warns against “service disconnection” account payment scam
Consumers are urged to exercise extreme caution in response to these messages.
There is fradulent commuication currently circulating on WhatsApp and SMS that instructs JB Marks residents to make immediate payment of their municipal accounts to avoid the purported disconnection of municipal services.
The JB Marks Local Municipality warns all residents and consumers to be aware of incorrect phone number, email addresses and banking details in these messages.
“The message appears legitimate and includes a contact number, email address and banking details, which may make it difficult to distinguish from an official municipal notice. Consumers are urged to exercise extreme caution and not to make any payments or disclose personal or banking information in response to these messages,” explained JB Marks municipal spokesperson, Jeanette Tshite.
Official payments should only be made to the JB Marks Local Municipality banking details:
NEDBANK:
Account Name: JB Marks Local Municipality
Account Number: 149 7222 400
Branch Code: 198765
ABSA:
Account Name: JB Marks Local Municipality
Account Number: 409 0067 672
Branch Code: 634540
Before making any payment or taking any action, residents are advised to verify any payment request directly with the JB Marks Local Municipality using its official communication channels and the contact details provided below:
Contact numbers are: 018 299 5181/018 299 5766. Residents can also visit their nearest municipal branch (12 Wolmarans Street) in Potchefstroom and 1 Van Tonder Crescent in Ventersdorp.
“The JB Marks Local Municipality urges consumers to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious communication purporting to be from the Municipality,” added Tshite.
