The "Eskom technician" at your door

With smart prepaid meters genuinely rolling out, people posing as Eskom officials or contractors knock on doors demanding a cash "installation" or "upgrade" fee for the new meter box — or offer, for a fee, to "adjust" your meter so electricity costs less.

The real programme is the defence: legitimate installations are free, announced through official channels beforehand, and no Eskom employee or contractor may take cash. The paid "meter adjustment" is tampering — illegal, and it puts *your household* at risk of penalties.

What to do: pay nothing at the door — cash or transfer. Verify any visit by phoning Eskom or your municipality on a number you look up yourself, and report impersonators to the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22.