CYBERCRIME – Beware of WhatsApp Scams – Unblocking of Prepaid Meters

George Municipality urges all ratepayers and municipal clients to be vigilant of scammers posing as municipal officials. The latest case involves an individual named Rodwell Khumalo, falsely claiming to be the “Head of Disconnections.” Please be advised that the Municipality does not have a position titled “Head of Disconnections.”

Previously, we received reports about another scammer, Kenny Ngene, also falsely claiming to hold the same position at George Municipality. These scammers use various names and titles to impersonate municipal officials (see attached screenshot).

Their method involves sending WhatsApp messages or making phone calls to ratepayers, demanding large payments into unknown bank accounts to avoid prepaid meter blocks. Please be assured that these individuals are not representatives or employees of George Municipality.

IMPORTANT:
• The Municipality will not send officials to ratepayers’ properties for blocking/unblocking services or payment arrangements.
• The Municipality will never contact ratepayers via WhatsApp or phone calls requesting large payments to unblock a prepaid meter.
• Prepaid meters are only blocked if there are outstanding payments on your municipal account, and only after multiple SMS notifications to your registered number have been ignored.

For issues related to account or meter blocking, please communicate directly with the Municipality.

To UNBLOCK your prepaid meter, follow one of these steps:
• Full payment of your municipal account
• Payment arrangement
• Apply for an Indigent Subsidy if you qualify (2 x SASSA)

For assistance, contact the Municipality’s Credit Control section during office hours at 044 801 9111 or email creditcontrol@george.gov.za