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.
What is Fraud? “Fraud” is any activity that relies on deception in order to achieve a gain. Fraud becomes a crime when it is a “knowing misrepresentation of the truth or concealment of a material fact to induce another to act to his or her detriment” (Black’s Law Dictionary). In other words, if you lie in order to deprive a person or organization of their money or property, you’re committing fraud.