Eskom alerts public of procurement scam
The common method used in the scam is that the victim’s company would receive a bogus Request for Quote (RFQ) either by email or fax with the Eskom logo.
Eskom has alerted the public of a procurement scam using the utility’s name. The parastatal’s forensic department has been inundated with volumes of complaints relating to fraudulent Eskom orders (procurement scam). The scammers target companies across the country using the Eskom name to defraud unsuspecting companies.
“The common method used in the scam is that the victim’s company would receive a bogus Request for Quote (RFQ) either by email or fax with the Eskom logo. The contact person would supposedly be a buyer who is unknown to Eskom and with incorrect Eskom contact details,” said Eskom.
The scammers would create a bogus website reflecting a company (bogus OEM) that would be able to provide the specific unique item required. The referred bogus company is part of the same syndicate, although the numbers reflected would differ from those of the “buyer” so that it would be as if one is dealing with different people/entities,” it said in a statement.
“The delivery address reflected on purchase orders is either an address that does not belong to Eskom or a correct Eskom address. Where delivery is made to correct Eskom premises, receipt of goods will be done outside the security check point by scammers purporting to be Eskom employees,” said Eskom.
The power utility appealed to the public to verify the authenticity of Eskom orders, suppliers are advised to contact Manase Mathabathe on 011 800 2202 or Dolly Tsitsi on 011 800 6041.
