City Power warns of rising contractor impersonation incidents
City Power is urging residents to verify the credentials of technicians to prevent scams and protect their homes.
The rise of impersonators posing as City Power technicians is not only a safety concern; it also raises significant threat to the trust and reputation of the utility company, which is facing challenges in maintaining customer confidence and co-operation.
The implication of these impersonation incidents extend beyond individual thefts. One case involved a man who gained access to a home under false pretenses, ultimately stealing the homeowner’s vehicle. “This incident not only endangered the resident; it also undermined the trust that genuine City Power employees rely on to perform their duties effectively,” said City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena.
To combat this growing issue, the utility is implementing awareness campaigns to educate customers about the importance of reporting suspicious individuals. The security risk management unit is also collaborating with private security firms to enhance the verification process for contractors.
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Danny Nunes, of Melville Security Initiative (MSI), stated that they encourage residents to report suspicious behaviour. “We do our best to locate and verify them. Be careful of a impersonator making strange requests, like turning lights on and off. This is a part of the scam that allows the impersonator to make off with a laptop or locate car keys.” Nunes said that they had recorded five incidents, where two laptops and three vehicles were stolen.
Mangena highlighted the critical need for residents to verify the credentials of anyone claiming to be an employee. “We advise residents to contact our security risk management control room or their Service Delivery Centre (SDC) to confirm if any work is scheduled in their area.”
He added that all City Power employees and contractors are required to present official ID cards, which include essential identifying information and security features.
Residents need to look out for the following:
- The photo and personal details of the employee or contractor.
- The contractor’s verification number (badge number) and expiry date.
- A firefly hologram for added security.
- Contact details on the back for easy verification.
To verify City Power employees and contractors, residents should contact City Power’s 24hr security services control room on (011) 490 7900/7911/7553/7504, or send a WhatsApp on 083 579 4497.
Mangena added that they are committed to restoring trust within the community and ensuring that residents feel safe when interacting with their employees. Early reporting of suspicious activities is crucial in preventing further incidents and protecting the integrity of City Power’s services.
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