The City of Cape Town has issued a warning to residents over con men who pose as electricity officials to gain entry into people’s homes.
In a statement released to the media, the City of Cape Town said the scammers who dress as officials in municipal clothing and carry some fake form of identification, visit residents at their homes and insist they open the front door so that they check electricity infrastructure.
One thief talks to the resident, the other steals small, personal items.
Elderly residents are particularly being targeted.
Mayco Member for Energy and Climate Change, Phindile Maxiti said:
‘The City does not have members of staff going door-to-door to check on infrastructure without an appointment. All municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling and a City-issued identification card. Residents should ask to check the official identification card before allowing anyone onto their property.’
The City currently has a free electricity meter replacement programme. Each meter replacement has a notification number on the City’s internal system, which the City’s Call Centre can verify should a resident ask.
Any suspicious behaviour must be reported to the City’s law enforcement agencies or the City’s Fraud Hotline on 0800 323 130 or to the South African Police Service.