The tender scam, which caused local businesses to lose money, is alive and well, police said
Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson said more businesses have been targeted since the Herald reported on the matter a while back.
Fraudsters call companies and introduce themselves as employees of a government department, pretending to require a product from said company urgently. The fraudsters say they found the company on the government supplier database.
The goods, which the company normally does not manufacture, are then ordered. The target company then orders from a contractor, pays for the goods and delivers them to the suspects who then disappear.
When the supplier does not receive payment and contacts the government departments used as a front, the latter have no knowledge of the matter.
Companies in Randfontein are again warned to be extra cautious when doing business with companies and government departments whom they do not deal with every day.
“It is advised that the business owner contacts the said department to establish whether the he/ she is on the Government’s Central Supplier Database and to verify the order. Keep in mind that government departments use this database to do business with those who applied and were approved to become their suppliers,” Ernst said.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
Also read:
Police warn public of new scam
New fraud scam discovered by police
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