With two incidents of bogus City employees tricking residents and escaping with their valuables, police warn the community to be vigilant when dealing with strangers.
According to police, on Friday 11 August scammers using a similar modus operandi pounced on two houses in Newlands and Rosebank.
In the first incident, on Avenue Road, Newlands, the scammer pounced as the homeowner prepared to go away around 10:35. He claimed to be from the City to inspect the meter box.
Not expecting anything untoward, the owner reportedly allowed the man in. After a brief spell the man informed the owner that everything was in order and left. It was after the man’s departure that the owner realised a computer and charger had been stolen.
In a second incident, around 17:30, a scammer entered a house in Lyle Road, Rosebank.
Police say the owner heard a knock at the door and went to investigate. Two men, who also claimed to be from the City, indicated they came to examine the water meter.
“He allowed them into his home,” explained acting station Commander at Rondebosch Police Station WO Lyndon Sisam.
“When they left he discovered his iPhone 13, MacBook Air 256 and Air pods were gone.”
With an attitude of concern he urged residents to exercise caution before letting anyone into their homes.
“Please be extra-vigilant. If you do not have an appointment with the City or when [supposed workers] do not have a work order number specific to your home, [do not let them into your home].”
Sisam added anybody claiming to work for the City or municipality needs to provide a City identification card, which can be verified through its Call Centre.
Incidents of scammers are not new in the metro and the City is targeted as the service provider.
In a statement published on the City’s website in 2020 Phindile Maxiti, former Mayco member for energy and climate change, cautioned: “The City does not have members of staff going from door to door to check infrastructure without an appointment.
“The City does check electricity meters every so often, but must make an appointment with the resident.”
He confirmed all municipal workers and contractors must carry a work order number specific to that dwelling/home as well as a City-issued identification card.
“Residents should ask to check the official ID card before allowing anyone onto their property.”
The identification card must display:
- The City logo
- The name and surname of the staff member or mandated contractor
- The ID card must have an embedded photo of the staff member or mandated contractor
“Residents are not to allow anyone onto their premises until they have verified these detail,” read the statement. “Our residents should always be vigilant in these cases.”
The public can verify whether visitors to their homes work for the City by:
- Phoning the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 to confirm whether work is being carried out in their area;
- Informing the official that they will allow them entry only once the Call Centre has verified their identity.
Residents can find out which suburbs have this meter replacement work completed and if their suburb has been selected for compulsory upgrades by viewing the project schedule on www.capetown.gov.za/electricitymeters
