December 17, 2020
Sanitizing
Source: Google Images
The City of Cape Town is warning small businesses to be extra wary, as a new scam has emerged in which fraudsters are posing as COVID-19 ‘cleansing services’ and conning owners out of hundreds of rands at a time.
These scammers
There have been reports of this service being offered to businesses in Mitchells Plain, Athlone, Bonteheuwel, and Pelican Park. Business owners are encouraged to come forward so that the City can determine the extent of this issue.
“It is really sad, but not unsurprising that unscrupulous individuals would go around, targeting small businesses in this manner. The lockdown earlier this year has already severely impacted on many businesses, and so to have them exploited in this manner on top of the hardships already experienced is downright criminal,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Getrude Makhafola (Getty)
The City of Cape Town has alerted local businesses about unscrupulous scammers claiming to be fogging and sanitising companies to protect them against Covid-19.
Businesses were being conned out of hundreds of rands for cleansing services by the scammers, said mayoral committee member for community services and health Zahid Badroodien. Business owners who are unsure of how to go about ensuring that their establishment presents a low risk of exposure to staff and clients are asked to contact their local Environmental Health Office for advice and guidance. However, as Covid-19 is spread through droplets on both surfaces and in the air, the best plan of action is to ensure regularly cleaning of all surfaces and to ensure that clients and staff wear masks at all times. In addition, maintaining social distancing is crucial, as well as hand sanitising for all persons entering the premises and ensuring sufficie