Beware of fake electricity officials roaming Cape Town

Capetonians must be aware of scammers posing as electricity officials to gain access to their homes.

In recent weeks, scammers attempted to gain access to residents’ homes in the Bellville, Athlone and Strand areas

The City of Cape Town urged residents to be on alert for any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood.

‘’Once given access to your home, the scammers steal your personal items and in most cases, target the elderly. We remind residents that the Electricity Generation and Distribution Department is not carrying out surveys and when the City needs to do checks on electricity meters, officials will make an appointment with the resident.’’

The City said that municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling and a City-issued identification card. Residents should ask to check the official identification card before allowing anyone onto their property.

‘’Remember that the identification 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. Any suspicious behaviour must be reported 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),’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Beverley van Reenen.

 

The municipality asked residents to report suspicious behaviour to the City’s law enforcement agencies or to the South African Police Service (SAPS)

Members of the public can verify whether visitors to their home are employed by the City by:

·        Phoning the Call Centre on 0860 103 089 to confirm whether work is being carried out in their area

·        Informing the official that they will allow them entry only once the Call Centre has verified their identity

 

Done By: Mitchum George