Residents of Msukaligwa are urged to stay vigilant following renewed warnings about a wave of scams targeting the community. These schemes have become increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters using convincing tactics to trick individuals into handing over money or personal information.
A recent advisory outlines five of the most common scams currently affecting the area. One involves fake job interviews, where scammers pose as potential employers to collect personal details or demand upfront fees. In another, con artists claim to represent the municipality, threatening service cutoffs unless immediate payment is made—a tactic Msukaligwa Municipality confirms it never uses.
Another scam involves so-called "accidental" bank transfers, where fraudsters claim to have deposited money into a victim’s account and ask for a refund. Email phishing is also on the rise, with criminals sending messages that appear to come from legitimate institutions in an effort to steal login credentials and other sensitive data. Some victims have even received threatening messages linked to fabricated compromising material, a form of digital extortion.
Authorities advise residents not to engage with suspicious callers, messages, or emails. Instead, all incidents should be reported to local law enforcement or relevant municipal offices.
Stay alert, trust your instincts, and always verify before making payments or sharing your information. iNews remains committed to keeping Ermelo informed and protected.