The City of Cape Town has warned residents of new electricity scams which are doing the rounds.
In the first scam, residents are offered cheaper units. Mayco
member for Energy, Beverley van Reenen, said the electricity supposedly sold
doesn't work on the City's meters and anyone making use of this service.
In the second scam, explained van Reenen, a senior citizen
reported to the City that someone had visited her home claiming they needed to
enter the property to scan her prepaid meter so she can get a rebate on her
electricity.
‘’Everyone loves a deal, especially in these tough economic
times, but remember if the price of the electricity units seems too good to be
true, it very likely is a scam,’’ said Beverley van Reenen, Mayco member for
Energy.
‘’We urge residents to be aware of scammers trying to sell
cheap, fraudulent units and others posing as electricity officials to gain
access to their homes. Similarly, if
someone attempts to enter your home under the premise that you'll be given a
rebate, it is also likely to be a scam. The City urges residents to be aware of
scammers who are posing as City officials or contractors to gain access to
their homes. Once given access to residents' homes, the scammers steal small
personal items like jewellery and cash,’’ she added.
The mayco member said in most cases, the elderly are
targeted.
Van Reenen said the City's Electricity Generation and
Distribution Department will make an appointment with residents before visiting
their home.
‘’Municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order
number specific to that dwelling and a legitimate City-issued identification
card. Residents should please ask to check the work order number and the
identification card before allowing anyone onto their property and to verify whether
the card is legitimate,’’ said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Energy,
Councillor Beverley van Reenen.
‘’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. If unsure, residents
are urged to call the City's Call Centre on 0860 103 089.’’
Any suspicious behaviour must be reported to the City's law
enforcement agencies or the City's Fraud Hotline on 0800 1100 77 or to the
South African Police Service (SAPS). The SAPS remains the lead authority in
crime prevention.
Done By: Mitchum George
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