![[Note, picture above is of legitimate City workers] A scammer’s common approach is to convince a resident that they are checking electricity meters or carrying out surveys. File picture: City of Cape Town/Supplied](https://image-prod.iol.co.za/16x9/1600/Note-picture-above-is-of-legitimate-City-workers-A-scammer-s-common-approach-is-to-convince-a-resident-that-they-are-checking-electricity-meters-or-carrying-out-surveys-File-picture-City-of-Cape-Town-Supplied?source=https://iol-prod.appspot.com/image/d55a72fafa2972f573a7a12d252f9d091f2670a6/2000&operation=CROP&offset=0x438&resize=2000x1125)
Cape Town - Residents have been reminded to be aware of any potential scammers pretending to be City electricity officials.
This comes after the City was again alerted to incidents in some areas of the metro, said Mayco Member for Energy Beverley van Reenen.
The City of Cape Town’s Energy Directorate issued the warning, and stated that municipal workers and electricity contractors carrying out their jobs must carry a work order number specific to the home they were visiting, and must carry a legitimate City-issued identification card.
“A scammer’s common approach is to convince a resident that they are checking electricity meters or carrying out surveys. Once the scammer gains your trust and access to your home, they steal personal items.
“We remind residents to always be vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour to the City and South African Police Service,” Van Reenen.
“Residents must remember that when electricity related projects are being carried out in an area, City staff and contractors always carry their City-issued identification cards and carry a work order reference number specific to the home they are visiting.”
Van Reenen said that residents can then call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 to confirm whether the work order reference number is valid prior to giving staff access to their property.
“If they cannot produce the requested work order number or City-issued identification card, do not allow them into your home.”
Members of the public can verify whether visitors to their home are in fact 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
Quick tips for residents:
- Only buy legitimate electricity units at the correct price per unit
- You may only qualify for pensioner support if you have applied by filling in a form
- Always verify the work order number when an official visits your home
- Check the official’s City-issued identification card
- 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
- If unsure, call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089
- Report suspicious behaviour to the City’s law enforcement agencies or to the SAPS