The Harare City Council has warned residents to be wary of con artists going around the city claiming they could negotiate terms for debt “write-offs” or flexible payment terms for rates defaulters in return for an undisclosed consultancy fee.
Council spokesperson Leslie Gwindi said they were not certain how much the con artists had collected from unsuspecting residents.
In a statement yesterday, council said: “Please be warned there are various bogus association representatives and individual persons who are spreading rumours and false information to residents of Harare that they can negotiate terms of rates payment or even writing off debts with City of Harare on behalf of ratepayers.
“Please be advised that the City of Harare is not writing off any debts or giving discounts on rates or supplementary charges arrears.
“It has come to our notice that suspected conmen are on the prowl in the city’s western suburbs.”
Gwindi urged defaulters to negotiate payment terms at council offices in their neighbourhood.
