Scam alert: Eskom warns public about fake prepaid vouchers

Eskom has issued a warning to alert the public about a rise in illegal electricity sales scams on social media following the frenzy from customers to recode their prepaid electricity meters before the deadline. 

These electricity sales scams deceive customers by offering fake prepaid vouchers at discounted rates online, according to Eskom. 

After the payment is made to the fraudulent website, often through electronic funds transfer (EFT) services at major supermarkets, the scammers will disappear with the money while customers will have not received any credit tokens. In certain cases, the scammers will impersonate Eskom to deceive unsuspecting customers.

The power generator said that they are working with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) Serious Economic Offences Unit to address these illegal electricity sales scams.

How to ensure you are buying real recharge credits:

- Remember that any discounted electricity offers on social media are fraudulent and illegal.

- If you are being offered 'discounted electricity', you are being scammed and you are buying ‘illegal’ electricity from an illegal vendor.

Eskom is urging customers to remain cautious and to only purchase electricity through authorised channels which include retail outlets such as Shoprite, Boxer, Usave, Pick 'n Pay as well as filling stations, banking apps, or recognised electricity vendors.

"Eskom is deeply concerned about these illegal activities, as they not only defraud customers of their hard-earned money but also compromise the integrity of the electricity distribution system," Eskom said. 

"Eskom encourages members of the public to come forward with any information related to unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales, fraud, theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel, and critical and essential infrastructure crimes."

Anonymous reports can be made through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.

IOL Business