With increasing reports of criminals disguising as a City Power technicians, the power utility has issued specifics to look for when a technician or contractor visits your property.
The power utility’s spokesperson, Isaac Mangena warned residents not to allow any person, technician or contractor onto their property without first verifying their credentials with City Power’s Security Risk Control Unit.
The warning follows a recent report from a Roodepoort resident who suspected foul play when a ‘technician’ wearing a City Power ID card allegedly requested payment from him over an alleged bridged meter which is located outside his property.
Mangena confirmed that they had previously received a number of complaints from members of the community similar to this one. “We, however, refer this type of incident to the City’s Forensic Service Department (GFIS) for further investigations,” he said.
He went on to clarify the different ID cards. “City Power employees and contractors will have a City Power identity card. The card will be colour-coded for specific sections within City Power – blue for permanent employees, green for meter readers, light blue for meter maintenance and installation, purple for contractors and red for cut-off teams.
“The card will display a photo of the specific employee or contractor carrying the card, their name, identification number and expiry date. A hologram of the firefly appears on the card as well,” he detailed.
Mangena also cautioned residents to report any personnel wearing any damaged cards, including scratched or invisible photos, names and numbers immediately to City Power Security Risk Control.
“Residents are also warned not to make any payments to City Power contractors or anyone demanding payment from them. They should only make a payment at City Power Customer Care Centres. This helps to prevent fraudsters from defrauding our customers,” he said.
He also appealed to residents to verify with their councillors if there are meter projects happening in their area.
Residents are advised to report any suspicious activities to City Power’s Security Risk Control room on 011 490 7900/ 7911/ 7553.
