The municipality has warned residents and municipal consumers about a fraudulent communication currently circulating via SMS and WhatsApp. The scam message instructs consumers to make immediate payment of their municipal accounts to avoid the purported disconnection of municipal services.

The municipality said the message appears legitimate and includes a contact number, email address and banking details, making it difficult to distinguish from an official municipal notice.

Residents have been urged to exercise extreme caution and not make any payments or disclose personal, financial or banking information in response to the messages.

“Before making any payment or taking action, residents are advised to verify payment requests directly with the JB Marks municipality through its official communication channels,” said municipal spokesperson Jeanette Tshite.

“We urge residents not to be pressured into making immediate payments based solely on SMS or WhatsApp messages. Any communication requesting payment should be independently verified before money is transferred or personal information is provided.

“Residents are also encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communication purporting to be from the municipality.” The municipality has stressed consumers should only make payments using its official banking details. For Nedbank, the account number is 1497222400, while the official ABSA account number is 4090067672.

Consumers can contact the municipality via email, and they can also phone 018 299 5181 or 018 299 5766, or visit their municipal branch for confirmation.

Meanwhile, the municipality has requested all customers, property owners, account holders, consumers, and ratepayers to ensure their personal contact details are updated and accurate on the municipal billing system.

It has said that the postal delivery of municipal account statements may be delayed or unsuccessful because of outdated personal information. “Customers are encouraged to provide a valid cellphone number and email address to receive account statements, payment demands and notices electronically,” it said in a statement.

“Customers are urged to access their statements regularly and ensure that all municipal accounts are paid every month to avoid falling into arrears.”

OFM News sm

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline on 066 487 1427.