ETHEKWINI Municipality has issued an urgent warning to business owners following several reports of fraudulent activities involving individuals impersonating business licence inspectors.

The scammers threaten businesses with penalties for operating without a licence and offer to “assist” with business licence applications in exchange for payments.

Also read: Spaza shops come under scrutiny in Montclair

eThekwini Municipality’s Business Licensing Manager, Qondi Liqwa, said they have received complaints from some businesses who have fallen victim to these scams, with one reported case involving a fraudulent payment of R14 000.

Liqwa emphasised that the municipality’s inspectors physically inspect businesses and will produce their appointment cards.

“No legitimate municipal inspector will request payments telephonically. Municipal inspectors operate on a rotational basis and are supervised. No single inspector is authorised to personally handle or ‘protect’ businesses,” she said.

Criminal cases have been reported to both Metro Police and the SAPS. Investigations are underway.

The municipality urges businesses to remain vigilant and follow these guidelines to avoid being scammed:

• Only apply for business licences through Municipal Regional Business Licensing offices.
• Make payments to official Municipal accounts, never to personal accounts.
• Use Sizakala Centres for secure payments.

Business owners are urged to verify that communication is from official municipal emails, from ‘@durban.gov.za’ and not Gmail accounts, and phone numbers starting with 031 3111.

“The municipality offers affordable licences, with tuckshop and spaza shop owners paying R287 per year, and food business licences costing R574. Businesses must renew their licences annually, free of charge, for ongoing compliance,” the municipality said in a statement.

The registration for spaza shops started last year and continued until February 28. However, the municipality is still encouraging business owners to register their businesses.

For more information or assistance with business licences, visit the Municipal Head Office of Business Licensing at the 7th Floor, Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street, 031 311 4535 or email licensing@durban.gov.za

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