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. Image: The Go-To Guy Creations Anatomy of the Scam According to municipal officials, these fake notifications are designed to appear official, oft

The dream of finding a bargain, whether it’s a VW Polo for R45,000  or a cheap rental, is increasingly being used against us. From December 2025 into January 2026 , there has been a sharp spike in sophisticated scams on Facebook Marketplace  and social media , leaving many South Africans with empty bank accounts and no recourse. The Mechanics of the Scam The scam usually follows a predictable, high-pressure pattern: The Bait:  A high-value item (often a vehicle or electronic)