Watch out for bogus electricity inspectors
A resident was defrauded out of money by two conmen masquerading as municipal workers.
UMBILO SAPS is investigating a case of fraud in the area.
It is alleged a man living in a flat in Glenwood was at home when two men in their early thirties, one tall and the other medium height, identified themselves as inspectors working for the municipality’s electricity department.
“They requested to get into the flat as his electricity bill for the month was too high and they needed to work on the meter to reduce it. While they were inside they told the man they needed to scan his bank cards as there was an amount they needed to withdraw from his account. They asked the man to sign a lot of documents as well,” said Sgt Beverly Manqele from Umbilo SAPS.
She said the man handed over his bank cards, which were scanned into a mobile machine. The men asked for R200 as upfront payment for the service, although the man told them he only had R100, which they accepted and left.
“On the same date a few hours later the man received a telephone message that an amount of R1000 was withdrawn at ABSA bank Queensmead Mall. The man quickly went to enquire and it was confirmed. Be alert and don’t become a victim of this new crime trend, verify with the municipality before letting anyone inside your home,” said Manqele.
