ETHEKWINI Metro has warned senior citizens to be wary of a new scam targeting pensioners.
Pensioners are being scammed via telephonic calls by people pretending to be municipal officials, offering a rebate for water meters.
City spokesman Mandla Nsele alleges that the caller issues a reference number to residents and informs them that they will be contacted by another official in the coming days and a form would need to be completed and signed to qualify for the rebate.
‘We want to warn senior citizens that there is no such process, nor will customers under any circumstances be asked to make on the spot cash payments.
‘The only rebate currently offered by the municipality is a rates rebate.
‘Property owners qualify for the rebate on their primary property when they turn 60. This rebate is renewed annually. Both new application and renewal forms are found on the municipal website,’ he said.
‘Payments are made strictly only via our municipal banking halls, Sizakala centres or our third party collectors indicated on the bill.
‘Customers are urged to be vigilant to avoid falling prey to criminals posing as municipal employees.
‘Any representative of the municipality will have an ID tag with a photograph, ID or employee number with the municipal logo on it,’ said Nsele.
He added that if residents are suspicious of anything, they can contact the toll free number 080 311 11 11 or City Investigation Unit on 0800 20 20 20 or the nearest police station.
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