Scammers purporting to be City electricity workers gains entry to a residence in Kenilworth

The City of Cape Town has warned residents of scammers purporting to be electricity officials working for the municipality.

This comes after a resident in Kenilworth was a victim of this crime, where the scammers convinced them that they needed to check plugs, lights and the electricity meter as part of a City rates rebate application. It is understood that once the scammer gained access to the resident’s home, they stole personal items.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Beverley van Reenen, urged residents to be vigilant at all times and to report potential scammers pretending to be City electricity officials to the City and South African Police Service (SAPS).

‘’I am reiterating my call to residents to please be vigilant at all times and to report any suspicious activities to the SAPS and the City. Municipal workers and the City’s electricity contractors who are carrying out work in your home must at all times carry a notification or reference number specific to the home they are visiting, and must carry a legitimate City issued identification card. Secondly, it is important to remember when residents apply for a rates rebate that electricity meters, plugs and light bulbs in your home do not need to be checked by the City as part of the application process,’’ said van Reenen.

‘’If you are unsure about any City official visiting your home, please do not hesitate before making contact with the City’s Call Centre to verify. Residents can call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 to confirm whether work is being carried out in their area and to verify the reference number prior to giving them access to your property,’’ she added.

Van Reenen reminded residents that when the requested reference number or City-issued identification card cannot be produced, to not allow them into your home.

 

Done by: Bush Radio News reporter