Eskom sends a warning to prepaid customers in South Africa

Eskom has issued a warning to prepaid electricity customers about a concerning rise in illegal electricity sales scams circulating on social media.

Eskom said in a statement that these scams are deceiving users by offering discounted prepaid electricity vouchers that are entirely fraudulent.

“Victims are instructed to make payments, often via electronic funds transfer (EFT) at major supermarkets, only to discover that they receive no credit tokens after the transaction.

“To appear legitimate, some scammers even impersonate Eskom’s branding, further misleading unsuspecting individuals,” the utility said.

Eskom has confirmed it is working with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) Serious Economic Offences Unit to combat these fraudulent activities.

However, it emphasises that public awareness and caution are essential in stopping the spread of these scams.

According to Eskom, any offer of discounted electricity on social media should immediately be regarded as fraudulent.

The utility urges customers to avoid engaging with these offers, as buying from illegal vendors not only leads to financial loss but also constitutes participation in an unlawful act.

Eskom advises that customers purchase electricity only through authorised channels. Legitimate tokens can be obtained at trusted retail outlets, including Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Usave, fuel stations, and via banking apps.

Customers can also verify the authenticity of a vendor by consulting Eskom’s official list of authorised outlets, which is available online.

These illegal activities have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only individuals who are scammed but also the integrity of South Africa’s electricity distribution system.

Eskom is deeply concerned about the financial harm inflicted on customers and the broader implications for maintaining a stable and reliable energy supply.

The utility is calling on members of the public to report any illegal electricity sales, fraud, theft of coal or fuel, or crimes involving critical infrastructure.

Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.

Eskom stresses the importance of vigilance and responsible purchasing to ensure that customers are not defrauded and to help combat these criminal operations.

By sticking to authorised vendors and reporting suspicious activities, South Africans can play a crucial role in safeguarding the electricity system and protecting themselves from financial loss.

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