Beware of electricity scam claiming residents’ services will be disconnected due to debt

The City of Cape Town’s Electricity Department is alerting residents about a scam doing the rounds, where criminals purportedly City officials, are contacting residents via WhatsApp and falsely claiming that residents’ services will be disconnected due to outstanding municipal debt.

MMC for energy, Xanthea Limberg, says it was made aware of the scam as a recent case in the Helderberg was reported to the municipality, where a resident received a message followed by phone calls.

PICTURE: Pixabay

According to Limberg, the scammers requested urgent payment to be made into a bank account or via e-Wallet to avoid service disconnection. The resident recognised the scam attempt and immediately alerted the City.

‘’The City is investigating this matter and appeals to all residents to remain alert and report any suspicious encounters. We remind residents that the City does not notify residents of service disconnections via WhatsApp or any other social media platform and no City official may request payment via e-Wallet or personal bank accounts. Importantly, all payments to the City must be made through official City channels, such as visiting a municipal cash office or by making electronic payments using details on the monthly municipal bill,’’ said Xanthea Limberg.the Mayoral Committee Member for Energy,

The City ask residents to inform their family and friends and especially the elderly, so that residents are aware of scammers. Limberg appealed to residents to verify the information first by phoning the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089

Important tips for residents:

·        The City does not notify residents of service disconnections (water or electricity) via WhatsApp.

·        No City official may request payment via e-wallet or personal bank accounts.

·        Payments must only be made through official City channels.

What to know when the City carries out work in your area:

·        When the City carries out work in your area or schedules an appointment with you, all City staff or contractors are required to carry an identification card. This card must:

·        Display the City logo

·        Include the name and surname of the staff member or contractor

·        Contain an embedded photo of the staff member or contractor

 

Done by: Mitchum George