Cape Town residents are being urged to think twice before handing over money to anyone claiming to be from the City.

The City of Cape Town says scammers are using different tactics to trick residents into making payments or handing over personal information.

One of the scams involves fake WhatsApp messages warning residents that their water or electricity will be disconnected because of an unpaid account.

Mayoral Committee Member for Finance Siseko Mbandezi says the City does not use WhatsApp or social media to notify residents about municipal account arrears or service disconnections.

“Residents are reminded that payments must only be made through official City payment channels. The City does not use WhatsApp to notify residents of account arrears or service disconnections. No City official may request payment into a personal bank account, via e-wallet or through other informal payment methods.”

Residents are also warned about people offering fake housing opportunities.

The City says no payment is required to register on the Housing Needs Register or to receive a state-subsidised home.

Another scam involves fake traffic fine messages sent by SMS, email or WhatsApp. Residents are urged to use official City channels to check whether they have outstanding fines.

The City has also warned about fake parking fee claims and bogus job offers.

It says it does not recruit through WhatsApp, flyers or word of mouth, and does not charge people for job opportunities, interviews, contracts, EPWP opportunities or internships.

Fraud can be reported to the City’s Fraud Hotline on 0800 32 31 30, by emailing fraud.hotline@capetown.gov.za, or at the nearest SAPS police station.

The City Call Centre can also be reached on 0860 103 089.