Cape Town residents issued new scam alert

By Mark Ogagan

Residents of Cape Town, South Africa have been urged to remain vigilant following a recent incident involving a scam where criminals posing as City officials gained access to a resident’s home in the Lansdowne area.

The Finance Directorate of the City issued a warning, emphasising the importance of verifying the identity of anyone claiming to be from the City before granting them access to their property.

The incident occurred when three individuals wearing City-branded reflective vests convinced a resident they were there to assist with her indigent support application. Once inside, they aggressively sought access to the electricity meter. This prompted the resident to take swift action by activating a panic button.

This action triggered alarms, alerting security and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to the scene.

Councillor Siseko Mbandezi, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, stressed the necessity for residents to exercise caution.

“Residents should not allow individuals into their home if they cannot produce the requested reference number or City-issued identification card,” said Mbandezi.

He further advised residents to verify the authenticity of any City official. This can be done by contacting the City’s Call Centre at 0860 103 089 before granting access.

The SAPS, in collaboration with the City’s law enforcement agencies, is investigating the incident.