City of Matlosana Warns Residents About Fake Final Demand Letters
The municipality says the letters are circulating in the community and are designed to look like official account demands. Because they threaten to cut services, residents who receive one may feel pressured to pay quickly, which is exactly what the scammers are counting on.
How to spot the fake letter
According to the notice, the fake letter is titled "Final Demand (Termination Notice)" and has several warning signs:
- It demands payment of an amount, for example R6 500.00.
- It threatens immediate termination or restriction of services without further notice.
- It instructs you to pay into a Nedbank account that does not belong to the municipality.
- It uses the name Dr David Stanley Khoza, Senior Manager Creditors Control, and asks you to email proof of payment.
"Please note that this letter is FAKE and is NOT from the City of Matlosana," the notice states.
How the City really collects payment
The City says its only official primary bank account is an ABSA Business Cheque Account, number 1000100176, and that it does not use a Nedbank account for municipal service payments. It also does not ask customers to send proof of payment to a private email address.
All official final demands are issued from the City's Revenue offices with verifiable reference numbers.
What this means for you
Do not pay any money into a Nedbank account, or into any account given to you by someone who phones you or drops a letter at your property. If you receive such a letter or call, check it with the municipality first, and report suspicious persons to SAPS and the municipality.
- Finance Department (Credit Control / Revenue Section): 018 487 8017, during office hours
- In person: any official municipal pay point or Mayibuye Centre office
Source: City of Matlosana (Facebook), https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1591487409675039
Photo: City of Matlosana Facebook page