The City of Ekurhuleni has reminded its customers not to pay money to people posing as municipal workers unless at the city’s rates halls.
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This warning comes after reports of customers receiving hand-delivered letters and being approached by fraudsters were brought to the city’s attention.
“Fraudsters claim that the customer’s electricity meter was tampered with,” said Themba Gadebe, CoE spokesperson.
“They tell residents that an immediate spot fine must be paid to avoid disconnection of power.”
Gadebe said residents are also persuaded to install what is purported to be a prepaid electricity meter.
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“Customers are led to believe that they will pay substantially less per kilowatt-hour.”
Gadebe said once the prepaid meter is installed, monthly fees are not paid to the CoE, but to the fraudster.
“If an unlawfully installed prepaid meter in discovered by the city’s meter auditors, the meter will be confiscated. Electricity supply will be disconnected until a legitimate meter is installed by CoE officials.”
Customers will be held liable to pay the backdated payments which were not paid to CoE.
To avoid becoming a victim of crime, residents are advised to follow the following tips:
• All municipal payments must be made over the counter inside a rates hall in Ekurhuleni.
• If residents receive a letter from CoE they should follow up with a phone call to the call centre or the 999-number provided on the letter.
• Request a receipt which can be kept as proof of payment.
Any illegal activities or suspicious behaviour must be reported to the municipal Call Centre on 086 054 3000.
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