Beware of Electricity Scammers in Somerset West: Stay Alert and Report Suspicious Activity

by
1 min read
electricity scams somerset west

Residents of Somerset West have recently become the target of electricity scammers who pose as City officials. These scammers solicit payments from unsuspecting residents for electricity-related matters. It is important for residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or requests to the City and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The Scam

The fraudsters pretend to be City officials and inform residents that they need to pay a fee to stay connected to the grid or address other electricity-related concerns. These payments can range from R500 to more. The City states that no such payments should be made to individuals and that legitimate municipal bills or account payments are to be made directly to the City via online options or at their customer offices and walk-in centers.

Stay Safe

Councillor Beverley van Reenen, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, emphasizes the importance of being cautious and alert to new scam attempts. She adds that the City is collaborating with the SAPS to ensure that the criminals responsible are brought to justice.

Residents should take note that when work is being carried out in their neighborhood, municipal workers and City contractors carry a work order number specific to that home and a City-issued identification card. It is crucial to request these documents from the official before allowing them onto your property. If they fail to produce the requested work order number or City-issued identification card, do not grant them access to your home.

Verify Identity

There are ways for the public to verify whether visitors to their home are indeed employed by the City. These include calling the Call Centre at 0860 103 089 to confirm if work is being carried out in their area or informing the official that entry will only be allowed once the Call Centre has verified their identity.

Report Suspicious Behavior

In the event of encountering suspicious behavior, residents should report it to the City’s law enforcement agencies or the City’s Fraud Hotline at 0800 323 130. Alternatively, they can reach out to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

By staying vigilant, informed, and proactive, residents of Somerset West can protect themselves from these electricity scammers and help bring the criminals to justice. Remember, it is always better to be cautious and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a City official before allowing them access to your property.

Tags:

You might be interested in

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

housing scams reporting suspicious activities
Previous Story

Beware of Housing Scams: City Warns Residents of Fraudulent Schemes

winter activities cape town
Next Story

A Winter Wonderland of Activities in Cape Town’s Libraries and Recreational Facilities

Latest from Blog

springboks rugby unity

The Anticipation Builds: Springboks Face Georgia Under Mbombela’s Lights

Under the bright lights of Mbombela Stadium, the Springboks prepare to face tough opponents from Georgia in a game full of energy and hope. Captain Siya Kolisi’s return brings strength and heart, inspiring fans who fill the stands with cheers and colors. The team’s new young players will test their skills against Georgia’s strong forwards, making every scrum a thrilling battle. This match is more than just rugby—it’s a story of unity, courage, and dreams shared by a whole nation.

south africa trade crisis us tariffs impact

Navigating the Trade Tempest: South Africa Faces the US Tariff Crisis

In 2024, South Africa faces a big threat as the US plans to slap 30% tariffs on its exports, risking up to 100,000 jobs, especially in cars and farming. This could shrink sales, raise prices, and hurt the country’s money value, making life harder for many people. Without strong trade deals like AGOA, South Africa’s industries and workers stand on shaky ground. The country must act fast, find new markets, and support its workers to ride out this tough storm and build a stronger future.

cape town coffee culture third-wave coffee

The Pulse of Cape Town: Exploring the City’s Flourishing Coffee Culture

Cape Town’s coffee culture is a lively mix of history, art, and community spirit. Its cafés serve carefully crafted coffee that tells stories of faraway lands and local roots, turning each cup into a small adventure. Places like Rosetta Roastery and Ground Art Caffe offer warm, creative spaces where people gather, connect, and share ideas. Here, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a way to celebrate life, friendship, and the city’s colorful, welcoming energy.

drones in national parks wildlife conservation

Drones on Signal Hill: Balancing Awe and Responsibility in Table Mountain National Park

Drones are not allowed to fly over Signal Hill and Table Mountain National Park unless you have special permission. This rule helps protect animals and plants, and keeps visitors safe, especially after dark when wildlife is active. While drones can help scientists study nature, flying them without approval can disturb animals and break the law. The park asks everyone to respect these rules so its beauty and wildlife stay safe for the future.

kelly khumalo senzo meyiwa

Shadows and Spotlight: The Kelly Khumalo Story and the Quest for Justice

Kelly Khumalo’s life changed forever on one October night in 2014 when football star Senzo Meyiwa was shot and killed in her home. Since then, the case has been tangled in delays, accusations, and intense media attention, making it a story about pain, fame, and the search for justice in South Africa. Kelly has faced harsh public judgment but fights back boldly, using her voice to demand truth and fairness. The mystery of that night remains, keeping the nation watching and hoping for answers.