Health dept warns about social media scam
The department said scams thrive on giving potential victims false hope and typically target new businesses that may not pick up on red flags.
The provincial health department is warning residents to beware of a tender scam circulating on social media platforms.
The department said it recently noted a WhatsApp scam in which contractors are advised to contact heads of department for tender opportunities.
In a statement, the department said the “so-called opportunity” was a scam.
“The public should note that heads of departments are not involved in tender administration or directly contacting bidders. Department officials are not allowed to contact any person or company outside the tender processes, especially on WhatsApp or using private domains instead of the government’s official domain, for example, Name.Surname@gauteng.gov.za),” the statement read.
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The department said these scams thrive on giving potential victims false hope and typically target upcoming businesses that may not pick up on red flags. Some of these include the wrong usage of government logos, false contact details, the wrong date and links to fake websites among others.
Residents are advised that should they receive a message of this scam, to contact HealthSCMqueries@gauteng.gov.za
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