The City of Joburg (COJ) is warning its suppliers to be aware of the request for quotation email scam.
COJ’s spokesperson, Kgamanyane Maphologela said, the City was made aware about the scam by some suppliers who were recently scammed into supplying goods and services to fraudsters posing as city officials who are using fake Request for Quotation (RFQ) forms and appointment letters.
“We advise the suppliers to always be vigilant and not to fall prey to desperate scammers. We urge them to follow the City’s normal procurement processes,” said Maphologela. He added that as a public entity, the City is bound by specific legislation and policies, which it will never deviate from.
Maphologela advises suppliers to always pay attention to smaller details such as email addresses, telephone numbers and physical addresses printed on the RFQs as these would give them a hint if they are being scammed.
“You would find that some of the crucial information such as the email address, contact person, telephone number and the physical address are all fake. Some of these scammers would use private emails and cellphone numbers on the fake RFQs,” said Maphologela.
Some tips for suppliers to avoid being scammed:
- No appointment letters are issued to preferred bidders for RFQs as these are only issued in terms of tenders
- The City will only issue RFQs on its official website on www.joburg.org.za and on its Tender Notice Board situated on the 15th Floor Metro Centre, Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein
- The RFQs value will never exceed R200 000 inclusive of VAT
- The RFQs will always have a landline number and email contact with a Joburg address such as contact@joburg.org.za for inquiries
- The RFQ is only open to potential bidders for 7 days from date of issue
- If you are unsure about any RFQ, please visit the Strategic Supply Chain Management Unit on the 15th Floor, Metro Centre, Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein or alternatively visit the City’s website, or contact the office on 011 407 6303.
