26 February, 2003

Press Release

Council uncovers another revenue scam

The City Council has been made aware of certain individuals posing as official Council workers and attempting to defraud our consumers.

These individuals who purport to be City Council Officials, visit the homes of consumers and promise to sort out the council-related problems that consumers may experience, they also convince consumers that they can take their money for their accounts and will pay it against the amounts owing to the Council.

These people then receive monies from consumers for payment of accounts or arrears etc and simply walk off with the money. This money does not come to the City Council and is not paid against the consumer's current account and so the consumer remains liable for the amount owing.

We implore all of our consumers to be on the lookout for these con men. Do not allow them into your homes and most importantly, do not part with any money. Any monies that need to be paid against your account must be done by yourself at a People's center, Regional Office or at the Head Office at Jorissen Place.

It is unfortunate that many of our consumers have been duped in this way and we ask that everyone pay strict attention to anyone who goes around claiming to be City Council Employee, especially in the event of them asking you for any money. These people are criminals and will be dealt with as such.

ENDS.

For More information contact
Mbangwa Xaba
Tel: 407 7226
Fax: 403 3494
082 467 9230