City warns residents of new electricity payment scam

The City of Cape Town’s Electricity Directorate is alerting residents to a new scam involving individuals posing as City officials.

Scammers have reportdly been contacting residents through WhatsApp, falsely claiming that their electricity services will be disconnected due to unpaid municipal bills.

In a recent case reported in the Helderberg, a resident received a WhatsApp message followed by calls demanding urgent payment.

The fraudsters instructed the resident to transfer money into a personal bank account or via e-Wallet to avoid service disconnection. According to the City, the resident recognised the scam attempt and immediately alerted the City.

city warns of new electricity scam

In a statement, the Mayoral Committee Member for Energy Xanthea Limberg emphasised that the City never sends disconnection notices via WhatsApp or social media, and no official may request payments into personal accounts or through e-Wallet.

All legitimate payments must be made via the City’s official channels, such as municipal cash offices or through the banking details provided on monthly municipal bills.

Limberg added that the City is investigating this matter and appealed to all residents to remain alert and report any suspicious encounters.

“We ask residents to inform their family and friends and especially the elderly, so that residents are aware of scammers. Always pause and verify first by phoning the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089”

The City has confirmed it is investigating the reported case and continues to urge residents to report similar incidents.

Important tips for residents:

The City does not notify residents of service disconnections (water or electricity) via WhatsApp.
No City official may request payment via e-wallet or personal bank accounts.
Payments must only be made through official City channels.
What to know when the City carries out work in your area:
When the City carries out work in your area or schedules an appointment with you, all City staff or contractors are required to carry an identification card. This card must:
Display the City logo
Include the name and surname of the staff member or contractor
Contain an embedded photo of the staff member or contractor
If unsure, residents are encouraged to call the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089 for verification.

Report suspicious activity:

City Fraud Hotline: 0800 32 31 30
Email: fraud.hotline@capetown.gov.za
SAPS: Contact your nearest police station (SAPS remains the lead authority in crime prevention)