Randpark resident urges the community to look out for scammers
Read more: City Power launches imbizo programme
Nkosi explained that a man claiming to be a contractor arrived at his property, stating he was conducting an audit of electricity meters in the area. The individual alleged that Nkosi's meter had been tampered with and threatened to disconnect his electricity supply. However, the so-called contractor was driving an unmarked vehicle and failed to present any identification or documentation from the City of Joburg.
'I argued that my meter is not prepaid and that I have never tampered with it. I asked what evidence he had that I breached the meter. He failed to answer my questions. I have never elected to do the readings myself, but I rely on the statements received from the city monthly. I have never received phone calls that the City had issues with my meter,' Nkosi said.
Concerned, Nkosi contacted the city directly. After some engagement, officials confirmed that it was indeed a scam—one that appears to be on the rise.
'Following the talk with the city official, an internal person was sent with the correct documentation and vehicle to check the meter. He confirmed that the scammer had tampered with it to create the impression that we breached it, likely to demand a ransom,' he said.
The meter was subsequently repaired, and a new bill from the city confirmed that all records were accurate. Nkosi now wants to alert other residents. 'I can confidently confirm that it was a scam and something other residents should know about, as this is becoming a pandemic of lawlessness by criminal syndicates.'
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed that they are aware of these incidents, stating that criminals are using counterfeit credentials to pose as City Power employees or contractors to gain access to homes and businesses.
Mangena urges customers to remain cautious and verify the identities of anyone claiming to represent City Power.
'Our employees and contractors are required to always carry their official City Power ID cards while on duty. These ID cards are colour-coded according to different sections within the entity and display important identifying information.'
Residents and business owners are encouraged to check the credentials of City Power personnel by calling the number provided on the back of the ID card. Official City Power ID cards include:
A photograph and personal details of the employee or contractor
A verification (badge) number and expiry date
A firefly hologram for added security
Contact details on the back for verification
Additionally, authorised Token Identifier (TID) agents can be identified by their yellow-branded bibs or T-shirts and valid ID cards that display their photo, name, surname, and expiry date.
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