Scam warning for people with prepaid electricity meters in South Africa

Eskom has issued a statement warning the public about a high prevalence of illegal electricity sales scams on social media platforms, through which unsuspecting customers are having their money stolen.

According to the power utility, any discounted electricity offers advertised on social media are fraudulent and illegal.

“These scams deceive customers by offering fake prepaid vouchers at discounted rates online,” it said.

“Once payment is made to the fraudulent website, often through electronic funds transfer (EFT) services at major supermarkets, the scammers disappear with the money and no credit tokens are received.”

It added that, in some cases, scammers are impersonating the Eskom brand to deceive customers.

“If you are offered ‘discounted electricity’ anywhere, you are being scammed and you are buying ‘illegal’ electricity from an illegal vendor,” said Eskom.

It urges customers to only buy electricity through authorised channels, including Shoprite, Boxer, Usave, Pick n Pay, petrol stations, banking apps, or other recognised electricity vendors.

The power utility is collaborating with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Serious Economic Offences Unit to address the challenge.

“Eskom is deeply concerned about these illegal activities, as they not only defraud customers of their hard-earned money but also compromise the integrity of the electricity distribution system,” it added.

“Eskom encourages members of the public to come forward with any information related to unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales, fraud, theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel, and critical and essential infrastructure crimes.”