Residents reminded to report electricity scammers to the City

21 November 2023

The City of Cape Town’s Energy Directorate reminds residents to be aware of any potential scammers pretending to be City electricity officials. Municipal workers and electricity contractors must carry a work order number specific to the home they visiting, and must carry a legitimate city issued identification card.

'We've been alerted again to incidents in some areas of the metro. 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 (SAPS).

'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. 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,' said the Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Beverley van Reenen.

The South African Police Service is the lead authority in crime prevention.

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

End

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office