GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality is warning residents, account holders, and job seekers to be vigilant of scammers impersonating municipal officials.
The latest scam involves an impersonator claiming to be “Darrick Smith from George Local Municipality.”
The scammer threatens residents with a so-called “scheduled disconnection” due to alleged arrears on their municipal account. In one message, the scammer says: “I tried calling earlier, but your phone went to voicemail. We’re going to be at the premises in the next two hours.”
The scammer operates from the number 068 010 7426.
These fraudsters:
- Claim to be “Heads of Disconnections” or Finance officials.
- Threaten immediate electricity disconnections unless instant payments are made.
- Demand money for EPWP or other job opportunities, including job interviews.
- Contact residents via WhatsApp or phone, instructing payments into private accounts.
Important to note:
- The Municipality never demands instant payment via WhatsApp/phone.
- The Municipality does not charge money for job interviews or employment.
- Officials will not visit your property to block/unblock prepaid meters or collect payments.
- Prepaid meters are only blocked in cases of:
- No/Low consumption in the past 12 months
- Legal issues or concerns on an account
- No access provided to the premises
To unblock your prepaid meter legitimately, please contact the Credit Control division on the contact details supplied below:
For Assistance, please contact:
- Credit Control: 044 801 9111 | creditcontrol@george.gov.za
- Human Resources: 044 801 9367 | recruitment@george.gov.za
George Municipality – Working together to protect our community.
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