George residents warned of prepaid meter WhatsApp scam
Spokesperson Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe said the municipality would never contact a ratepayer via WhatsApp.
A prepaid electricity meter and an electricity mains unit. Picture: @CityofCT/X
CAPE TOWN - Residents in George are urged to be extra vigilant of a scammer posing as a George municipal electricity official.
The warning comes after a resident reported to the municipality that he received a WhatsApp message from an individual named Kenny Ngene, claiming to be the municipality's head of disconnections.
In the message, the imposter is asking for large sums of money to be paid into an unknown bank account to prevent the blocking of a prepaid meter.
George municipality spokesperson Ntobeko Mangqwengqwe said the municipality would never contact a ratepayer via WhatsApp, or request money to be paid into an unknown account to unblock a meter.
He added that municipal officials always wear identifiable name tags or carry appointment certificates.
"Your prepaid meter will only be blocked if you have outstanding payments on your municipal account, and despite us sending you several SMSes (directly to your registered contact number as the municipal account holder), you make no effort to get in touch with us. Only then will your prepaid meter be blocked," said Mangqwengqwe.