Peak scam season: Pause and Verify, don’t fall victim to fraud
19 November 2025
The scammers are out in full force and during International Fraud Awareness Week, currently under way until 22 November, the City’s Ethics and Forensics Services Department is leading the charge to drive awareness before the festive season fraud peak.
In commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of International Fraud Awareness Week, which takes place between 16 to 22 November, the City’s Ethics and Forensic Services Department has embarked on a roadshow to promote the City’s Fraud Hotline 0800 32 32 30 (toll-free) and drive awareness around peak scam season and how not to fall victim to fraudsters wanting to line their pockets ahead of the festive season. Cape Town residents are advised to be vigilant and to always first pause and verify the information or what is on offer.
In this digital world, one of the best ways to verify official-looking requests, whether it purports to be from banks, or the City or other service providers is to phone the respective call centre numbers and never to give out personal information such as banking details or one’s ID to online, WhatsApp or SMS requests.
Be careful when downloading apps from links sent and do not click on unknown URLsThere are many pretending to be from the City, sending WhatsApp messages saying for a fee they will not disconnect a resident’s water or electricity. Do not pay anything. These messages are fraudulent and to verify please phone the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 090 or the Fraud Hotline on 0800 32 32 30 (toll-free).
‘During this peak scam season, we are asking our residents and customers to be fraud fighters and to always pause and verify before falling victim to the countless scams about at the moment. This is across the board with private services, but also fraudsters pretending to be from the City.
‘We get so many reports on scams regarding electricity purchases; cons where fraudsters are posing as City officials or fraudulently offering City services especially in water and electricity. Sadly, housing scams are also rife. Victims of fraud pay money for what is offered as City housing opportunities or are scammed into making payments to be placed on government housing lists. Victims of fraud are often already financially vulnerable, in particular pensioners. Sadly, the money lost to these fraudsters is never recouped.
‘It remains vital that residents always phone the City’s fraud hotline or call centre to fact check anyone alleging to offer City or government services, or claiming to be employed by the City,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.
Tips for residents if someone claiming to be from the City wishes to enter their premises:
- To verify the legitimacy of City officials or contractors: contact the City’s Call Centre on 086 010 3089
Reporting allegations of fraud and corruption pertaining to the City:
Anonymous reporting is allowed on incidents relating to any person at the City, or dealings with the City, irrespective of position or seniority (employee, client or supplier) or department or directorate.
When reporting an incident, members of the public should remember to mention the following: who, what, where, when, how and estimated value, if known.
When a member of the public submits information, they get a reference number for any follow ups. They are advised to keep this confidential.
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
