Kenilworth Resident Falls Victim to ‘City Electricians’ Scam; City of Cape Town Issues Warning

The residents of Cape Town's Kenilworth area have been put on high alert following a deceptive scam perpetrated by individuals posing as City electricians, which has led to the theft of personal items from a local household. The scam, which involves criminals impersonating the City's electricity officials, has seen an increase in incidents since 2020, with the latest taking place this week.

Kenilworth, known for its tranquil avenues and family homes, became the backdrop for a scenario all too familiar to city officials. The scammers gained entry into a home on the pretense of needing to inspect the electrical infrastructure for a city rates rebate application. After they were allowed into the residence, they proceeded to steal personal belongings. The incident has underscored the tenacity and clever ruse of thieves exploiting the trust of citizens.

The City's energy Mayco member, Beverley van Reenen, addressed the issue, acknowledging the recent theft and expressing the City's commitment to aid in the police investigation. Van Reenen stressed that the scammers often dress in municipal clothing to further deceive residents, sometimes demanding entrance to inspect electricity meters, plugs, and lights. What is more distressing is their tendency to target elderly individuals, exploiting their possibly limited ability to discern such deceptions.

Reiterating the importance of constant vigilance amongst residents, Van Reenen provided criteria for verifying legitimate City workers or contractors: they should provide a notification or reference number linked to the homeowner's address and possess a valid City-issued identification card. This protocol must be followed without exception during any visitation pertaining to City services within private properties.

Moreover, van Reenen highlighted a key piece of information for residents regarding rate rebates: the process does not involve the inspection of electrical components within homes. This clarification emphasizes that such claims by any supposed representative should immediately raise red flags and warrant scrutiny.

In response to the mounting concern of residents over these occurrences, Van Reenen has issued a call to action, urging community members to report any suspicious activity to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the City. Such collective vigilance and prompt reporting are vital components in combating these fraudulent activities and ensuring the safety of all the inhabitants.

The residents of other suburbs are also advised to remain cautious and informed about the operations of the City's service providers to prevent future incidents. This latest scam alert in Kenilworth is yet another reminder of the importance of safeguarding one's property and personal information against increasingly sophisticated criminal schemes.