Electricity consumers are warned to be aware of a scam where a message informs them that the bank details of Eskom or The City of Tshwane have changed, urging them to make a payment.

A Brits resident lost R19 000 when he paid money into the ‘new’ account.
Residents in Hartbeespoort and Brits have been receiving messages, supposedly from the City of Tshwane or Eskom. The messages either tell clients their account is in arrears and to pay into a supplied bank account, or they are informed that the power utility’s bank details have changed and to pay money owed into the new account.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena confirmed that the message was a scam. “If Eskom’s banking details were to change, customers would be informed via Eskom Connect, in a newsletter and on their bills. Eskom would never call individual customers to demand payment. Collection calls are made through SMS or customer services personnel, but we would never share new banking details in this manner,” Mokwena said.
The City of Tshwane confirmed that the message was a scam. “The City has never issued any communication to residents advising them of changes to their bank account. Therefore, the message sent should be considered a scam,” spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said.