Tuesday, 03 December 2024: Eskom would like to alert the public about a rise in illegal electricity sales scams on social media. These scams deceive customers by offering fake prepaid vouchers at discounted rates online. 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. In some cases, the scammers even impersonate the Eskom brand to deceive unsuspecting customers.
Eskom is working closely with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) Serious Economic Offences Unit to address these scams.
How to make sure you are buying real recharge credits
- Any discounted electricity offers on social media are fraudulent and illegal.
- If you are offered ‘discounted electricity’ anywhere, you are being scammed and you are buying ‘illegal’ electricity from an illegal vendor. Eskom urges customers to remain cautious and only purchase electricity through authorised channels. Legitimate sales can be made at their nearest retail outlets such as Shoprite, Boxer, Usave, Pick ‘n Pay, filling stations, banking apps, or recognised electricity vendors. For a list of authorised vendors, please visit the following link: https://www.eskom.co.za/distribution/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024123Vending-outlets.xlsx
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. 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.
Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
About Eskom and Electricity – Awards: Eskom has received various awards for its contributions to the energy sector.
Killer Curio
While studying to be a CA, Nicholas Bell developed a merchandising app for SAB (South African Breweries), once he built one solution, he quickly acquired more clients and by the time he was preparing to do his articles, SAB gave him a three-year deal as part of their merchandising programme. At 22, while still living with his parents, his first business comprising four people had a turnover of R700 000. By the second year, turnover grew to R1.6 million. After six years, his turnover was R21 million, he employed 25 people with clients including Simba, Harmony, ArcelorMittal, SAB, and Sibanye Gold. Eight years later, Bell hit R100 million, then pivoted the business to ensure they couldn\’t be disrupted. He implemented an investor-led strategy, which will see the business doing 40% of its work offshore with a R500 million turnover in five years.