The City of Johannesburg warns residents to be aware of fraudsters who threaten to disconnect their electricity or water services at their properties in exchange for cash or e-wallet payments.
The City warns that there is an increase in the number of reported cases especially during the Festive Season, whereby people posing as officials solicit money from residents with the promise that either their electricity or water supply will not be cut-off for non-payment of services.
Kgamanyane Maphologela, Director of Customer Communications for the City’s Group Finance Department, says the City will never request cash payment or any form of e-wallet transaction for services connection.
“We warn residents that the City or any of its service entities (Johannesburg Water and City Power) will never at any time ask for cash payments when they visit your property. The City has well established payment options which residents should always use,” warns Maphologela.
Maphologela encourages residents to always use safer and convenient payment methods when paying their municipal accounts.
You may pay using any of the listed methods below:
• With Easy Pay, facilitating a quick payment option at many shops that you visit on a regular basis, including Pick ‘n Pay and Shoprite Checkers
• Debit orders
• Direct deposits at major banks
• ATMs
• Internet and cell phone banking
• SA Post Office
• e-Joburg Portal (www.e-joburg.org.za) to also receive account statements, send both electricity and water meter readings.
Paying your municipal account timeously means you can enjoy the holiday season without the worry of outstanding debt.
Residents that have queries can log a query with Joburg Connect at 0860 562 874 or visit any Customer Service Centre.
Residents are encouraged to report the scam to the City’s Anti-Fraud hotline (0800-0025-87) or send an email to: Whistle@joburg.org.za
INFO SUPPLIED.
