Residents Warned of Payment Scam Targeting JB Marks Municipality Customers
- Karen Scheepers
- 39 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Residents across the JB Marks Local Municipality are urged to remain alert following reports of a payment-related scam circulating via phone calls, SMS, WhatsApp messages, and emails. The fraudulent activity involves individuals impersonating municipal officials and demanding immediate payment of outstanding municipal accounts to fake bank accounts.
How the Scam Operates:
The scammers typically contact residents claiming that their municipal services are at risk of disconnection due to unpaid bills. They often pressure individuals to make urgent payments by providing false banking details and request that a proof of payment (POP) be sent to a WhatsApp number or email address.
In some cases, the fraudsters claim that making an immediate payment will ensure that the resident’s name is removed from the “disconnection list.” They may also use details such as a resident’s address, property reference, or partial account balance to make the message appear legitimate.
Other variations of the scam include requests for payment through eWallet or instant money transfers, which are untraceable once completed.
Example of a Fraudulent Message:
“FNB BANK ACCOUNT63172604845JB Marks CREDITORS CONTROL REVENUEBRANCH CODE 250655AMOUNT DUE TO PAY R3,960.53 TO AVOID LEGAL ACTIONS AND PROMPT DISCONNECTION.”
These messages often appear professional and may use the name of the municipality to appear authentic. However, they do not originate from JB Marks Municipality.
Official Process and Verification:
Residents are reminded that the municipality does not contact individuals directly via WhatsApp, SMS, or phone calls to demand payment or issue disconnection threats. Legitimate municipal notices are delivered through official correspondence, billing statements, or verified digital platforms.
To verify the accuracy of account details and payment instructions, residents are encouraged to use the official online platform provided by the municipality:🔗 https://jbmarks.cabedocs.com
This platform allows residents to confirm valid payment details and securely view their account information.
Additional Warning Signs:
Scammers may also send fake messages about electricity disconnections claiming to represent the municipality, such as:
“Good day. It’s from JB Marks Local Municipality. It is in regard to a scheduled disconnection for your property in Miederpark, Potchefstroom, due to arrears on your municipal account. We will be at the premises in the next two hours.”
Such messages are not legitimate and should be ignored.
What Residents Should Do:
Do not make payments to unverified bank accounts.
Do not share personal or banking details with unknown callers or senders.
Use the official JB Marks portal to confirm billing and payment instructions.
Report suspicious messages or calls to your Ward Councillor or local municipal office immediately.
Way Forward:
The municipality continues to caution residents to exercise vigilance when handling municipal account matters and to rely only on official communication channels. Staying alert and verifying information can help prevent financial loss and protect the community from ongoing scams.
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