The eThekwini Municipality has urged business owners to be weary of bogus licence inspectors. One person was scammed of R14 000 by bogus business licence inspectors.
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The eThekwini Municipality has issued an urgent warning to business owners following several reports of fraudulent activities involving individuals impersonating business licence inspectors.
The scammers threaten businesses with penalties for operating without a licence and offer to “assist” with applications in exchange for payments.
eThekwini Municipality’s Business Licensing Manager, Qondi Liqwa said they have received complaints from some businesses who have fallen victim to these scams, with one reported case involving a fraudulent payment of R14 000.
“We emphasise that the municipality’s inspectors physically inspect businesses and will produce their appointment cards,” said Ms Liqwa.
“No legitimate municipal inspector will request payments telephonically. Municipal inspectors operate on a rotational basis and are supervised. No single inspector is authorised to personally handle or ‘protect’ businesses.”
Criminal cases have been reported to both Metro Police and the South African Police Service. Investigations are underway, said Ms Liqwa.
The Municipality urges businesses to remain vigilant and follow these guidelines to avoid being scammed:
The Municipality offers affordable licences, with tuck shop and spaza shop owners paying R287 per year, and food business licences costing R574. Businesses must renew their licences annually, free of charge, for ongoing compliance.
For more information or assistance with business licenses, visit the Municipal Head Office of Business Licensing at the 7th Floor, Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street, Durban, or call 031 311 4535 or email licensing@durban.gov.za