Council warns of scam artists

RESIDENTS in Strand have been warned to be wary of individuals pretending to be city council officials.

The city council said they received at least three reports from residents who have been robbed of thousands of rands by a person impersonating a city council official.

The city council said the person claimed to be working on an electricity and water meter upgrade.

“The person allegedly indicates that pensioners are being prioritised for the upgrades.

“They are then convinced to part with significant amounts of cash on the premise that his colleagues will arrive the following day to complete the work.”

Mayoral committee member for Area East, councillor Anda Ntsodo said the suspects have targeted the most vulnerable in the community.

“The city council can assure members of the public that this is not the way we do things. Our field staff do not handle cash. All such transactions are done at the city council’s customer-care centres or via the appropriate electronic channels. We ask our residents to be vigilant.” Ntsodo said. He said while the city council was rolling out an electricity meter replacement programme, the planned replacements are free.

“Each replacement has a notification number on our internal systems which the city council’s call centre can verify should a resident’s enquiry. In addition, we do targeted marketing and mailbox drops of any planned work to be carried out in an area.”

The public can validate visitors to their home by contacting the city council.

“Residents may also ask for a letter of appointment outlining the purpose of the project on a city council letterhead, signed by an official with contact details. Residents should inform the police as well as the city council if they are approached by potential criminals.”

“MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN VALIDATE VISITORS TO THEIR HOME BY CONTACTING THE CITY COUNCIL