The City reminds residents to be aware of scammers posing as electricity officials to gain access to their homes. The City has been made aware of a new form of the scam, where scammers carry fake City identification cards.

The City urges residents to be aware of scammers who are posing as City officials to gain access to their homes. Once given access to residents’ homes, the scammers steal personal items. In most cases, the elderly are targeted.

‘This scam has unfortunately been around for many years and the City reminds residents to check the identification card of the worker who visits their home. The scammers have seemingly realised this and are carrying fake City identification cards.

‘We remind residents that the City’s Electricity Generation and Distribution Department will make an appointment with residents before visiting their home. Municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling and a legitimate City-issued identification card. Residents should please ask to check the work order number, and the identification card before allowing anyone onto their property and to verify whether the card is legitimate.

‘Remember that 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. If unsure, residents are urged to call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089.

‘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 South African Police Service (SAPS),’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Councillor Beverley van Reenen.

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

Tips for residents:

• 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

Source: City Of Cape Town