2005-12-05 : City's revenue department falls victim to postal scam

The City's Revenue Department has become one of several victims of a recent scam executed through the SA Post Office where an apparent syndicate of criminals intercepted cheques that had been posted.Read More
MEDIA RELEASE

5 December 2005

CITY'S REVENUE DEPARTMENT FALLS VICTIM TO POSTAL SCAM
The City's Revenue Department has become one of several victims of a recent scam executed through the SA Post Office where an apparent syndicate of criminals intercepted cheques that had been posted.

According to Revenue Department spokesperson Mandy Jean Woods many of the cheques intercepted by the syndicate were intended for the City's coffers.

"As far as we can determine, many of the cheques were written by companies and were for RSC Levy payments. We want to appeal to all our customers who have posted cheques to us within the past two months to double check with their banks that the cheques haven't been cashed and paid into another account; that in fact the correct amount has been deducted from their account," Woods says if there is any doubt, customers should request their banks to stop payment on the cheques.

The total value of the cheques that were intercepted topped R118 000 and had been addressed to two of the Department's box numbers - PO Box 1450 and PO Box 2494. "We have been working closely with the SA Police Services and the SA Post Office to resolve this matter."

"We also want to take this opportunity of encouraging our customers to make use of our third-party payment facilities which are convenient and easy," says Woods. These include any EasyPay outlet (like Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, etc); any major bank's branch, ATM machine or internet banking site; or in cash or cheque to any SA Post Office.

"We also would like to remind our customers that they can make arrangements to set up a debit order with their bank to pay their municipal account. This is perhaps the most convenient payment method," she says.

Customers who may have a query about their RSC Levy payments in relation to the stolen cheques may call RSC Levy Department 358 3550 for more information.

ends

Issued by

Mandy Jean Woods
Director: Marketing and Communications
Department of Revenue
City of Johannesburg
Phone: 358-3420
Fax: 358-3423
Cell: 082 553 4211 (Please send sms if urgent)
Email: mandyw@joburg.org.za

Pamela Christie
Senior Account Manager
Magna Carta (Pty) Ltd
pamela@magna-carta.co.za
Tel : 011 784 2598
Fax : 011 783 4735
Cell : 083 415 7175

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