STAFF REPORTER
The City of Cape Town has urged residents to be on the lookout for a scam artist claiming to represent the City as part of an electricity and/or water meter upgrade project.
The person indicates that pensioners are being prioritised for the upgrades and makes them part with significant amounts of cash on the premise and assures them that his colleagues will be back the following day to complete the work.
In a press release by the City, it states that it received at least three reports from Milnerton, Claremont and Rondebosch residents who have been scammed.
It read: “While the City is currently rolling out an electricity meter replacement programme, the planned replacements are free. Each replacement has a notification number on our internal systems which the City call centre can verify should residents enquire.
“Customers will not be charged for water meter replacements initiated by the City either, unless they have formally applied for a change. The City urges residents to verify whether visitors to their home are in fact employed by the City by doing the following:
* Phoning the call centre on 0860 103 089 to confirm whether work is being carried out in their area; and
* Informing the official that they will allow them entry only once the call centre has verified their identity.
Residents can also ask for a letter of appointment outlining the purpose of the project on a City of Cape Town letterhead, signed by a City official with both office and cellphone numbers on the letterhead.
Residents are encouraged to contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the event that they are approached by potential criminals.