The City of Cape Town has issued a warning to customers after fraudsters attempted to scam a resident by posing as officials linked to the city’s electricity services.
According to the municipality, its Energy and Finance Directorates were alerted to a suspicious incident involving one of the city’s Large Power User customers who was contacted through WhatsApp and pressured to make a significant payment.
The individual behind the messages claimed the payment was required immediately and warned that the customer’s electricity supply would be cut off if the outstanding amount was not settled.
To reinforce the threat, the scammer reportedly sent images suggesting that disconnection was imminent and repeatedly called and messaged when there was no response.
The situation raised further concern because the person attempting the scam referenced the correct municipal account number and instructed the customer to transfer the money into an FNB account. This was particularly alarming as the amount owed on the account exceeded R1 million.
Sensing that something was not right, the customer contacted the city directly to confirm the request before making any payment.
After verifying the details, the customer paid the outstanding amount through the official municipal account instead of transferring the money to the bank account supplied by the scammer.
The city stressed that it does not communicate payment demands via WhatsApp and warned that no official would ever request funds to be transferred into a personal bank account.
Municipal payments, the city explained, must always be made through recognised channels such as municipal cash offices or electronic transfers using the banking details listed on the monthly municipal bill.
Residents are being urged to remain cautious and to verify any suspicious messages or calls before taking action.
Anyone unsure about a payment request is encouraged to contact the city’s call centre on 0860 103 089 to confirm the legitimacy of the communication.
The municipality also emphasised that notifications about water or electricity disconnections are never sent through WhatsApp.
Also read:
Picture: Gallo Images
