JB Marks Local Municipality Issues Urgent Warning Over Payment Scams
- Karen Scheepers
- Feb 9
- 2 min read
The JB Marks Local Municipality has released an public notice, warning residents of a sophisticated scam currently targeting municipal customers. Fraudulent messages, distributed via SMS and WhatsApp, are falsely claiming that residents face immediate service disconnection unless urgent payments are made to specific bank accounts.
Anatomy of the Scam
According to municipal officials, these fake notifications are designed to appear official, often creating a sense of urgency to pressure residents into making quick decisions.
The scam typically involves:
Threats of Disconnection: Residents are told their electricity or water services will be cut off immediately.
False Contact Info: The messages include fraudulent contact numbers and email addresses that do not belong to the municipality.
Unverified Banking Details: Scammers provide private banking details or third-party accounts, hoping to divert municipal revenue.
The municipality has clarified that official communication regarding arrears follows a specific legal process and will never demand immediate payment through unverified digital channels.
Official Banking and Contact Information
To protect the public, the JB Marks Local Municipality has reissued its official banking details. Residents are urged to pay only into these verified accounts:
If you receive a suspicious message, do not engage or share personal information. Instead, verify your account status directly with the Debt Collection Unit via the following official channels:
Phone: 018 299 5181
Official Emails: finankyl@jbmarks.gov.za | idahm@jbmarks.gov.za | gainyn@jbmarks.gov.za
In-Person: Visit the nearest Municipal Office for direct confirmation.
Final note:
As digital fraud becomes increasingly prevalent, the JB Marks Local Municipality’s proactive warning serves as a vital reminder to double-check the authenticity of all financial requests. By adhering strictly to official payment channels and verifying account statuses through the Debt Collection Unit, residents can safeguard themselves against these predatory tactics. The municipality remains committed to secure and transparent service delivery for all citizens.
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