Criminals intent on stealing valuables are attempting to gain entry into homes and offices by masquerading as Telkom technicians.
Lulu Letlape, Telkom Group Executive, corporate communication, says the evolving modus operandi of the suspected criminals is a matter of great concern.
"Telkom would like to alert customers to be on the lookout for these suspects, who claim to be Telkom technicians. Upon entry, they steal laptops, cellphones, money and other valuables," cautioned Letlape.
She adds that the perpetrators arrive unannounced and claim they need to check the PABX systems.
While bogus technicians targeted the Pretoria East area last year, the most recent incident has been reported in the Alberton/Alrode area, near Johannesburg, where individuals posing as Telkom technicians gained entry to business premises and allegedly stole a laptop.
"As a good corporate citizen, Telkom would like the public to become aware of these incidents. We would also like to educate the public about basic precautionary measures that could be taken so that they do not become victims of these alleged criminals," said Letlape.
According to Letlape, residents must demand to see the identity cards of Telkom technicians. Residents must also ask technicians to quote the relevant reference number assigned to the customer for a fault repair or new installation, before allowing them onto the premises. People who have not requested any service from Telkom should be particularly wary.
"These basic precautions must be communicated to every person who is likely to be at home during the day, including domestic employees," advised Letlape.
Added Letlape: "At the same time, we do not want the work of our legitimate technicians to be unnecessarily hampered. However, should customers be suspicious, they can call the Telkom security hotline on 0860 124 000 for verification of the card, or contact the nearest police station to report their suspicions."
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Telkom SA is one of the largest companies registered in the Republic of South Africa and is Africa's largest telecommunications service provider. Telkom offers fixed-line voice and data services, branded as Telkom, and mobile communications services through a 50% shareholding in the joint venture, Vodacom, a company incorporated in the republic of South Africa, Tanzania, Lesotho, the DRC and Mozambique.
Telkom has approximately 4.7 million telephone access lines in service as of March 2006. It is South Africa's incumbent operator. Telkom had consolidated operating revenue of R47.6 billion ($7.7 billion) for the year ended 31 March 2006. Subsidiaries include: Telkom Directory Services, which provides complete yellow and white pages directory services as well as electronic services, and Swiftnet.
Swifnet trades under the name of FastNet Wireless Service and provides synchronous wireless access on Telkom's X25 network, Saponet-P, to its customers. Telkom strongly believes in corporate social investment and has a dedicated wing, the Telkom Foundation, which focuses on investing and developing previously disadvantaged South African communities.
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