The City of Cape Town’s Energy Directorate is aware that online scammers are offering counterfeit prepaid energy units and has advised that only units purchased from authorized suppliers will be accepted by city prepaid meters.
SCAM OF PREPAID ELECTRICITY IN CAPE TOWN
According to reports, those selling the condos are providing them at a discount. The City warned people that if they chose to purchase from the accused scammers, their money will be wasted because refunds are not available. If an offer appears too good to be true, it probably is.
A snapshot of a message relating to the fraud reveals that dealers say the prepaid units are compatible with any meter number and offer substantial discounts, such as R650 for 3200 units and R300 for 1000 units.
“Residents are encouraged to purchase units exclusively from trustworthy vendors and are reminded that they can locate sellers by using the City’s load-shedding app or by visiting the City’s website. The City’s app is available for download on iOS and Android smartphones.”
You may find a list of approved suppliers at https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Pay/Municipal-accounts/Electricity/Buy-electricity.
Beverley van Reenen, a member of MayCo’s Energy Committee, urged residents who struggle to pay their electricity bills to contact the local government to determine if they qualify for assistance.
»City of Cape Town warns about ‘discounted’ internet sales of electrical units«