Scam Alert: Emalahleni Residents Targeted With Fake Payment SMSes

Emalahleni Municipality Warns Residents of Fake SMS Payment Demands

Residents Urged to Stay Alert as Scam Messages Circulate

Emalahleni Local Municipality has issued an urgent public warning to residents and ratepayers following reports of suspicious SMS messages demanding payment for municipal services. The municipality has confirmed that these messages do not originate from its offices and are believed to be part of a scam targeting unsuspecting customers.

According to information released on Thursday, 15 January 2026, several customers contacted the municipality after receiving messages instructing them to pay specific amounts for services allegedly rendered. The messages reportedly included non-official email addresses and requested proof of payment to be sent via WhatsApp, which the municipality has strongly rejected as fraudulent communication.

Municipality Does Not Use SMS for Letters of Demand

Emalahleni Local Municipality made it clear that it does not issue letters of demand via SMS, nor does it request confidential financial information through text messages or WhatsApp.

The municipality emphasised that all official communication regarding accounts and outstanding payments is conducted through formal channels, including written correspondence and direct engagement with authorised municipal officials.

Residents were reminded that municipal debt-related communication is usually handled by officials they deal with regularly at municipal offices or during telephonic inquiries, and such correspondence clearly identifies the responsible official.

Warning Against Sending Money to Unknown Accounts

The municipality has urged all customers, ratepayers, and debtors to carefully verify banking details before making any payments for municipal services.

Sending money to unverified accounts, officials warned, exposes residents to the risk of financial loss through scams, as fraudsters often exploit fear and urgency to deceive victims.

Customers are advised to always cross-check their municipal statements and confirm payment details directly with the municipality if they are unsure.

What Residents Should Do

Residents who receive suspicious messages are advised to:

• Ignore the message

• Do not make any payment

• Do not share personal or banking information

• Verify account details directly with the municipality

For further clarification or queries related to accounts and payments, residents are encouraged to contact the Revenue Manager, Mr Lwandile Juwele, on 083 891 2660.

Official Statement Issued by Municipal Management

The warning was officially issued by the Office of the Municipal Manager, Communications Unit, Emalahleni Local Municipality. Municipal Manager Ms T.T. Madotyeni reiterated the importance of vigilance and responsible financial conduct among residents.

The municipality continues to encourage the public to report suspicious activity and to engage only through verified and official municipal communication channels.