Scammers targeting tender offers and job seekers
Durban — On the same day and around the same time, the eThekwini Municipality and Msunduzi Municipality took to their Facebook pages to warn the public about scammers posing as their municipal employees.
The eThekwini Municipality warned the public about a scam where individuals impersonated eThekwini Municipality officials and contacted public members requesting a meeting to discuss advertised tenders.
“Members of the public are also contacted via spoofed emails made to look like they were sent from eThekwini Municipality but are in fact fraudulent emails aimed at deceiving unsuspecting victims,” eThekwini said.
“The municipality would like to emphasise that no bidder should be approached by nor meet with an official to discuss advertised tenders and urges all bidders to follow proper bidding and tendering processes.”
EThekwini advised residents who receive suspicious calls or emails to immediately report these incidents to the City Integrity and Investigations Unit on the toll-free hotline: 0800 20 20 20 or by emailing ombuds@durban.gov.za
In Pietermaritzburg, the Msunduzi Municipality warned the public about a fraudster posing as a municipal employee.
“Msunduzi Municipality warns residents of a fraudster posing as a municipal manager accepting money to the equivalent of R2 000 in exchange for employment within the municipality. Residents are urged to be wary of receiving calls from the following number: 083 728 8808,” Msunduzi said.
“We encourage residents to remain vigilant against potential scams and promptly report any suspicious activities to the SAPS for appropriate action.
“The municipality does not accept payment for job placements.”
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the uMhlathuze Municipality said it was aware of a scam that was currently circulating.
“Scammers are contacting residents, claiming they will disconnect their electricity within the next two hours unless a payment of R2 000 is made via cash or e-wallet,” uMhlathuze said.
“The scammers have residents’ contact numbers and physical addresses, making the scam appear legitimate.”
UMhlathuze asked residents to be vigilant and not to fall victim to the scam.
“If you receive such a call, do not make any payments and report the incident to the authorities immediately,” uMhlathuze said.
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