Special box to save electricity all a hoax
An Impala Park couple believe they have been the victim of a moneymaking scam aimed at the elderly.
The McAlpines paid R5 000 cash for a ‘box’ (AC inverter) that would allegedly decrease their monthly water and electricity account from R3 000 to R1 250.
About three weeks ago, the couple received a call from a man who said he was from the Ekurhuleni metro.
“He explained they want to install a ‘box’ at our property which will bring down the amount payable on our municipal account,” said Hennie McAlpine.
“The man said they do this to help pensioners who receive sky-high accounts.”
On the same day another man delivered the ‘box’.
McAlpine filled in a form and paid him the cash.
He was told not to open the box because he might break the inverter and that someone would come and install it.
To date, the inverter has not been installed and the couple have never heard from anyone at the metro again.
“Have we been scammed?” asked McAlpine.
“Both men appeared to be legit and professional.”
According to McAlpine’s wife Hannie, they have discovered that the telephone number provided by the man who originally contacted them doesn’t exist.
“We usually are so alert,” she said.
The Advertiser has contacted the Ekurhuleni metro but is still waiting for a response.
