City of Cape Town issues scam alert over WhatsApp electricity payment demands
The City of Cape Town has warned residents of a sophisticated WhatsApp scam demanding electricity payments.
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The City of Cape Town has alerted residents about a sophisticated WhatsApp scam that demands electricity payments. Scammers are impersonating officials and threatening disconnection.
The City’s Energy and Finance Directorates reported that a Large Power User was recently targeted, with the scammer using the correct account number and requesting payment into a personal bank account.
"In the interaction, Mr Collins” appears to threaten the customer by showing an apparent disconnection operation, and then phoning and messaging in quick succession after not receiving a response. The scammer referenced the correct account number and requested payment into an FNB account," the city said.
"This is especially concerning as this customer’s outstanding amount was more than R1 million. Fortunately, the customer found the notice fishy and messaged the City to verify. He then made payment into the correct City account and not directly to the scammer's bank account".
The City added that it would never contact customers via WhatsApp about payments, and no City official may request money into a personal bank account.
"The City reminds customers that it would never approach a customer via WhatsApp about payments. No City official may request payment via their personal bank account. Importantly, all payments to the City must be made through official City channels, such as visiting a municipal cash office or by making electronic payments using details on the monthly municipal bill," the City added.
"We appeal to all residents to remain alert and report all suspicious encounters. Always pause and verify first by phoning the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089.
Last IOL also reported that in the first half of 2025, WhatsApp reported that it identified and disabled more than 6.8 million accounts linked to criminal scam activities.
"The fight against scams is a relentless one, and we are continually evolving our defenses to stay ahead of bad actors," said Kojo Boakye, vice president of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East and Türkiye at Meta.
"This is part of our unwavering commitment to protect our users, not just by banning malicious accounts, but by empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to recognise and avoid these sophisticated threats. We believe that a safer messaging environment is built through a combination of robust technology, proactive detection, and user education.