The City of Cape Town’s Energy Directorate urges residents to be aware of scammers trying to obtain the personal details of customers, their money or access to their premises, by either offering electricity prepaid units at a discounted rate via social media and WhatsApp advertising; or of scammers posing as City employees online on social media wanting to test or read electricity meters. These are scams. Residents are reminded to report suspicious behaviour or requests on social media to us for investigation.

The City has been made aware of a new scam being circulated online. Scammers are sending requests to residents informing them that their electricity meters need to be read or tested. This is a scam and once the person gains entry into the customer’s home, they will most likely steal their personal items.

‘We urge residents to be aware of scammers looking to gain access to their homes by pretending to be City employees or contractors. The City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department does not have members of staff or contractors going door to door to check on infrastructure without an appointment and the City does not solicit or arrange general appointments via social media.

‘When the City needs to visit your home, our officials will make the necessary appointment with you. Remember that all municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling and a City-issued identification card. Residents should please ask to check the official identification card as well as verify the work order reference number with the City’s Call Centre, before allowing anyone onto their property.

‘Another typical example of an online scam is where a person claims to be able to provide residents with electricity prepaid tokens at a substantially discounted rate. These should be avoided and reported to the City. Any units bought via this scam will not be accepted by City prepaid electricity meters. We remind residents to always be cautious of these scam attempts and to report suspicious behaviour to us and the South African Police Service,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.

Report any suspicious behaviour to the City’s law enforcement agencies or the City’s Fraud Hotline on 0800 323 130 or to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Tips for residents:

• Always verify the official’s City-issued identification card and work order number when an official visits your home

• The ID card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor

• If unsure, call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089

• Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s law enforcement agencies or to the South African Police Service (SAPS)

• The City does not make home visit arrangements on social media platforms.

Source: City Of Cape Town