Overstrand Municipality has warned residents that an old scam where con artists pretended to be municipal officials threatening to disconnect residents’ electricity if they did not pay their accounts has once again reared its head.
This time, said the municipality, the fraudsters were using the name Raymond Dube.
“They are demanding payment and threatening homeowners that their electricity will be disconnected due to arrears on their accounts,” Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill pointed out.
“This is a scam. If you’re unsure about your account balance, contact the financial department on 028 313 8000/5060 or 028 384 8300.”
O’Neill emphasised that the municipality will not send residents a WhatsApp message regarding accounts, nor will municipal officials ask for payment to keep their electricity connected.
All payments should be made directly to Overstrand Municipality through online options or at the nearest rates halls.
It is of critical importance that ratepayers take note of the procedure for disconnection of services:
1. The client will receive an sms if there is a cellphone number on system informing them of arrears and will be given two days to make payment.
2. If payment is not made within the two days, the client will receive a 14 day notice to make payment. This notice will be delivered and emailed if there is an email address on system.
3. If payment is not made within the 14 days, then services will be restricted/disconnected.
