Fake electricity officials target the elderly

The City of Cape Town has warned residents of scammers posing as City electricity officials in order to gain access to their homes.

Criminals, dressed in municipal clothing and carrying some form of identification, visit homes saying they want your check electricity infrastructure, including the meter. While one scammer talks to the resident, the other steals small, personal items.

They are mostly targeting the elderly residents.

Mayoral committee 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. The City does check on electricity meters every so often but must make an appointment with the resident.”

All municipal workers and contractors carry a work order number specific to that dwelling and a City-issued identification card. 

Mr Maxiti said, “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. Residents are not to allow anyone onto their premises until they have verified these details.”

The City is currently rolling out a free electricity meter replacement programme.

Residents can call  0860 103 089 to confirm whether work is being carried out in their area.

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 police.