The City of Ekurhuleni has issued a warning regarding a scam targeting ratepayers. Individuals are contacting residents and demanding money to prevent ‘scheduled disconnections’ due to overdue municipal accounts. The scammers typically send WhatsApp messages requesting payment through EWallet services to avoid electricity cutoff.
City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini stated, “It is crucial for our valued clients and business partners to be aware that this is a scam, and the city condemns such illegal activities.”
The city is actively investigating the origins of this scam and urges anyone with information to report it through the call center, walk-in centers, or My COE app.
To prevent falling victim to these scams, customers are advised of the following:
- The city does not call clients regarding service disconnections.
- Clients will receive a Pre-Termination notice at least 14 days after their payment due date.
- If payment is not made by the specified date, Ekurhuleni employees with proper identification and marked vehicles will handle disconnections, leaving a notice with reconnection details.
- Prepaid users will have their meters blocked if necessary.
- Contractors do not visit clients’ homes for disconnection discussions; disconnections are performed externally.
Customers encountering any irregularities are encouraged to report incidents to the municipality promptly.
