Pretoria - The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has warned its consumers to be cautious and guard against fake websites that seek to misrepresent the metro's online account payments site called e-Siyakhokha.
Criminals have been trying to fraudulently access confidential information either by an email request for information or by luring consumers to a fake website.
The e-mail usually contains a link to a website that appears to be authentic. The recipient would then be asked to disclose confidential financial and personal information - like passwords, credit card account numbers and ID numbers.
Once the fraudsters have your details they are then able to log into your accounts using your stolen login details, transfer accounts and create new accounts and perform all sorts of other activities.
Ekurhuleni spokesperson Justice Mohale said the websites are usually identical to a legitimate website.
"The municipality has a technical team on standby to close down fake websites as they mushroom," said Mohale, adding that municipality will never ask consumers to verify their sensitive information via email.
Mohale advised online clients to minimise the chances of their personal information being stolen by not interacting with or responding to emails that ask them to enter their personal or account details.
The metro launched the payment site in July to enable residents to access easy payment methods, including viewing and paying of accounts online.
"More and more customers are beginning to appreciate the convenience that comes with being able to settle their municipal bills wherever they are, even more so now that people are going on holiday," explains Mohale.
The following precautionary measures should be observed:
Never access the municipal online account payments site via a link. Rather type the address into the browser address bar or save the address as a 'Favourite'.
Always enter the website address (www.ekurhuleni.gov.za) to connect to e-Siyakhokha's services site (https://www.e-Siyakhokha.co.za)
Delete emails that:
Requires you to enter personal information directly into the email or submit that information some other way.
States that your account has been compromised or that there has been third-party activity on your account, and requests you to enter or confirm your account information.
Asks you to enter your user ID, password or account numbers into an email or non-secure web page.
Asks you to confirm, verify, or refresh your account, credit card, or address information.
If you come across any correspondence that seeks to solicit your confidential information please get in touch with the e-Siyakhokha Support Team on
