Following an incident in Kenilworth this week, the City of Cape Town’s Energy Directorate is reminding residents to remain vigilant at all times against potential scammers posing as City electricity officials.
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‘I am reiterating my call to residents to be vigilant at all times and to report any suspicious activities to the SAPS and the City,’ said MMC for Energy Beverley van Reenen.
‘Municipal workers and the City’s electricity contractors who are carrying out work in your home must at all times carry a notification or reference number specific to the home they are visiting, and must carry a legitimate City-issued ID card,’ she added.
Residents are also reminded that electricity meters, plugs and light bulbs in homes are not required to be checked by the City when applying for a rates rebate.
Van Reenen’s call comes after a robbery took place in Kenilworth this week when scammers were able to gain access to the victim’s home.
‘This week, we were alerted to an incident in Kenilworth where scammers convinced a resident that they needed to check plugs, lights and the electricity meter as part of a City rates rebate application,’ van Reenen explained.
‘Once the scammer gained access to the resident’s home, they stole personal items. The City will provide assistance to the police investigation.’
To confirm whether work is being carried out in a particular area or to verify a reference number, residents are encouraged to call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 before granting access to their property.
‘Please remember that when the requested reference number or City-issued ID card cannot be produced, to not allow them into your home,’ van Reenen emphasised.
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