The public is urged to be aware of a new rebate scam that targets pensioners. Pensioners are scammed via telephonic calls by a person pretending to be Municipal official who offers a rebate for water meters.

The caller issues a reference number to the resident and informs them that they will be contacted by another official in the coming days and that a form will need to be completed and signed to qualify for the rebate. The Municipality confirms that there is no such process nor under any circumstances will customers be asked to make on the spot cash payments. The only rebate currently offered by the Municipality is a rates rebate and no other service.

Property owners qualify for the rebate on their primary property when they turn 60. This rebate is renewed annually. Both new application forms and renewal forms are found on the Municipal website. All rebate renewal forms are completed and submitted to Municipal offices. Payments are made strictly via Municipal banking halls, Sizakala Centres and third party collectors indicated on Municipal bills.

Any new application by a pensioner can be done at any of the customer service centres or a form can be downloaded from www.durban.gov.za and submitted via email or at one of the Municipal customer service centres or Sizakala Centres. Customers are urged to be vigilant to avoid falling prey to criminals. Any representative of the Municipality will have an ID tag with a photograph, ID or employee number and the Municipal logo on the card.

If residents are suspicious they can contact the City’s toll free number on 080 311 11 11 or http://correspondence.durban.gov.za:200/. Alternatively they can also contact the City Integrity and Investigation Unit on 0800 20 20 20.

Ethekwini Municipality News/ Charmel Payet