Tshwane warns residents of revenue collection scam
The metro says criminals trying to extort money from its customers by pretending to be city officials will be arrested.
Tshwane has warned residents about suspicious “contractors” who claim to disconnect the power supply of customers owing the municipality.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo warned against individuals claiming to be officials from the city’s revenue collection department.
“Tshwane has been notified about people purporting to be officials from the city’s revenue collection team calling customers and threatening to disconnect their power supply, claiming that their accounts are in arrears.
“We want to warn the public not to entertain these perpetrators, as this is a scam,” said Mashigo.
He said the metro does not call customers to inform them that their accounts are in arrears and that officials are coming to disconnect them.
“As part of the city’s revenue collection programme, technicians are dispatched without warning to disconnect properties that are in arrears.
“In situations where a customer receives a call from our credit control, the official will introduce him/herself, the reason for the call, the property which is owing, the amount owed and the last time payment was made to the account in question.”
He added that the customer would then be directed to make a payment at the nearest City of Tshwane Walk-in Customer Service Centre or be advised to make a payment arrangement at the municipal offices.
“Alternatively, a customer would be advised to make a payment into the city’s bank account, which will be provided by the official.
“We wish to warn those who are trying to extort money from our customers that they will be arrested, charged and prosecuted, as their actions border on criminality,” said Mashigo.
Customers are advised to report suspicious activities to the police or the city’s fraud hotline on 080 874 9263.
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