City warns of scammers posing as electricity officials

The City of Cape Town has alerted residents to be aware of scammers posing as electricity officials to gain access to their homes after the City has been made aware of some instances of scam attempts in recent weeks.

“The City urges residents to be aware of scammers who are posing as City officials to gain access to their homes. Once given access to your home, the scammers steal your personal items and in most cases, target the elderly,” says Beverley van Reenen, the Mayco member for energy.

“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. 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 before allowing anyone onto their property.

“The City is aware of scammers who have attempted to gain access to residents’ homes in the Bellville, Athlone and Strand areas and we urge residents to please be on alert for any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood,” Ms Van Reenen says.

Tips for residents:

- Always verify the official’s City-issued identification card and work order number

- 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

- Report 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 on 10111.

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