Cape Town residents are being warned to stay alert after scammers posing as City electricity officials are trying to trick people into paying fake arrears through WhatsApp.
In a recent case in the Helderberg, a resident received a WhatsApp message followed by calls claiming their electricity would be cut off unless they settled “outstanding municipal debt” immediately.
The fraudsters demanded payment via e-Wallet or into a private bank account.
In this case, the resident realised it was a scam. They reported it to the City of Cape Town before handing over any money.
City: ‘We will never disconnect you over WhatsApp’
The City of Cape Town has stressed that it will never notify residents of service disconnections via WhatsApp, Facebook, or any other social media platform.
“No City official may request payment via e-Wallet or personal bank accounts,” Mayco Member for Energy, Alderman Xanthea Limberg, said in a statement.
All payments to the City must be made through official City channels. This includes visiting a municipal cash office, or making electronic payments using the details found on official monthly municipal bills from the City of Cape Town.
“We ask residents to inform their family and friends and especially the elderly, so that residents are aware of scammers,” Limberg added.
“Always pause and verify first by phoning the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 08.”
How to protect yourself
- The City will never send WhatsApp messages about disconnections (water or electricity).
- No official may request payment into private accounts or via e-Wallet.
- Always use official City payment channels.
If City contractors are scheduled to work in your area, they are required to carry an identification card that shows:
- The City logo
- Their name and surname
- An embedded photo
Residents are urged to call the City’s Call Centre (0860 103 08) if they are unsure about anyone claiming to be from the municipality.
Report scams
Suspicious activity can be reported to:
- City Fraud Hotline: 0800 32 31 30
- Email: fraud.hotline@capetown.gov.za
- SAPS: Your nearest police station
The message is simple: pause, verify, and never pay through unofficial channels.
Have you received one of these fraudulent WhatsApp messages?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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