Beware of fraudsters

A GLENMORE resident is warning the community to be aware of men operating in the area under the company name of 'Global Energy'.

Pensioner, Geoff Oldfield (85) and his wife, June (75), were the latest victims of these fraudsters, who took advantage of them and their need to cut costs around the house.

“These men saw us as an elderly couple, still living in a house and trying to survive. We are concerned about rising costs, especially electricity increases, and are vulnerable to anyone coming to us with an idea to save money,” said Oldfield.

He said on Saturday, 24 January he received a call on his residential number from a man telling him the electricity department of eThekwini Municipality wished to do a survey at his home. The man suggested Monday, 26 January at 11.30am, to which Oldfield agreed.

“On Monday at around noon two men arrived at my home and June let them in. We didn't think to ask them for identification. This story is full of a lot of 'should have's' – I still don't sleep at night,” he said.

He said the men were both dressed smartly in white shirts with black trim, black trousers and shiny black shoes. The younger man, aged around 25, was the most talkative and very charming. He had a slight build and was about five foot eight, while the other was around five foot nine and around 35 years old.

“The young man asked a number of questions regarding rebates, the number of occupants in the house and the locality of the electricity meter and he asked to see our electricity account, which I showed him. He said the estimated amount shown on my account was more than R1 000 a month, which I confirmed. He said he could reduce my account to R500, which would be a great saving. He used sales talk and was very persuasive,” he said.

Oldfield said, after listening to the man's story about installation of some complicated system which was a great success, he felt confused. He was handed documents for his signature, and asked for his ID, credit card and latest bank statement.

“I signed the document, which said 'proof of delivery', although I didn't know what I was actually signing. Later I realised it was for two boxes, one electric water heater and one instant electric heater, both nameless. He then produced a card machine and started punching the buttons, then he put my card in several times and asked me to enter my code. I will never forgive myself for doing it, but I did. A slip came out which showed a R24 000 sale,” he said.

Oldfield told them to reverse the deal as he had not been told of the costs, but they suggested he could withdraw after a trial period of three months.

“Before the men left, the older man took a photo of me for some reason. They now have my photo, my full name, ID number and bank details – what will they use this for? I am already paying interest on the amount,” he lamented.

The next morning Oldfield went to the address in Che Guevara Road to return the boxes, but was told by the woman there that he was the second person that day to come looking for 'Global Energy'. On contacting the number on the letterhead he was asked to leave a message for the manager, who would contact him.

“I just want people to be aware of these men who are grossly exploiting the situation of increasing prices with those who are vulnerable. These criminals need to be apprehended. This is causing me sleepless nights – how do we defend ourselves against these people?” he said.

According to Oldfield, the men have been seen in the area driving a small white Hyundai vehicle.

The police confirmed three cases within the space of two days having been reported at Umbilo SAPS.