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

early childhood education toy libraries

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town’s toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting places to play and grow. With 24 vibrant libraries, kids can explore new stories and play with educational toys that help them develop important skills. Educators also benefit, gaining access to helpful resources that enhance teaching methods. This initiative not only supports children’s growth but also encourages a love for learning that can last a lifetime. As these libraries thrive, they inspire communities everywhere to embrace the joy of learning through play.

wastewater management urban sustainability

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a cleaner way. They are easy to install and can be placed where big treatment plants can’t go, making them super useful for crowded urban areas. Recently, a workshop brought together many people to learn how to set up and run these plants, highlighting their importance for public health and the environment. By using these innovative systems, cities can boost their economies while making sure they take care of our precious water resources.

illegal mining south africa

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and private security. They’ve recently targeted a large group of about 6,500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni, where hidden tunnels and makeshift homes showed the extent of this underground world. While these operations can push miners away temporarily, true solutions need to address the economic struggles that drive people to these risky jobs. The goal is to create lasting change that not only protects the environment but also offers communities new opportunities for a better life.

fireworks policy public safety

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but there are important rules about fireworks! To keep everyone safe, people must get permission from the police and have their event checked by the Fire and Rescue Service. While many love the colorful displays, some worry about noise and the danger to pets and wildlife. As the city balances fun traditions with safety, it’s clear that thoughtful celebrations can light up the sky without causing chaos below.