The municipality has issued a warning to residents to be weary of con artists posing as electricity officials to gain access to their homes.
The City of Cape Town has been made aware of some instances of scam attempts in various areas, including Strand, in recent weeks.
“Once given access to your home, the scammers steal your personal items and, in most cases, target the elderly,” related Beverley van Reenen, Mayoral Committee member for Energy. “We remind residents that the Electricity Generation and Distribution Department is not carrying out surveys and, when the City needs to check 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.”
Van Reenen said the City received complaints of incidents in the Bellville, Athlone and Strand areas, and urged residents to be alert for any suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.
“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,” she said. “Any suspicious behaviour must be reported to the City’s law enforcement agencies or the fraud hotline on 0800 323 130, or to the police.
Residents can verify whether visitors to their home are employed by the City by phoning the City’s call centre on 0860 103 089 and inform the person they’ll allow them entry only once their identification has been verified.
