Two weeks ago the Drakenstein Municipality (DM) released a notice warning residents of a scam about prepaid electricity purchasing doing the rounds on social media.
The municipality explained it was made aware of several scam profiles pretending to sell electricity units on Facebook Marketplace.
The scammer also tells victims if they pay them a fee they can “unblock” their prepaid electricity meters.
“This is a scam,” the DM said. “We urge all Drakenstein residents to avoid falling victim to these advertisements.”
According to the municipality some of the Facebook profiles in question have been created this year.
“The fees vary, but one recent advertisement in Paarl lists prices from R150 for 800 units to R650 for 4 800 units – and R300 to “unblock” your meter box, with 1 500 units promised in return.”
Drakenstein residents are reminded that electricity units can be bought only through approved outlets, such as Checkers, Pick n Pay and SPAR, banking apps, directly via the DM and other approved vendors.
