Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) has warned the community about fraudulent requests for proposals and quotations.
Mike Asefovitz, TFR spokesperson, says these requests are being sent via email using the TFR logo and the names of employees within the company.
The email is sent to suppliers requesting them to send quotations or to deliver goods.
After submission of a quote by a supplier, communication is then sent to the supplier stating the quote has been accepted and delivery may take place or goods will be collected from the premises of the supplier.
“We would like to caution that no Transnet employee, other than a procurement official, is allowed to manage a procurement process.
“Not even a member of the Transnet’s Board of Directors, executive leadership team or company secretary has the authority to manage a procurement process,” he says.
TFR doesn’t have its own database of prospective suppliers.
“We make use of National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database (CSD) for quotations and when we need to procure goods, services or work, we do so through an open tender process or calls for quotes using its website as well as details of suppliers on the CSD,“ says Asefovitz.
Typical scams have the following attributes:
• Email addresses used in the scam usually end with @transnetsa.net, @transnetfreightrails.net, @transnet-jhb.net, Gmail, Yahoo, webmail or any other internet domain.
Asefovitz says all valid TFR e-mails end with transnet.net.
Contact details usually used are 011 083-9507, 011 083 7454, 031 100 2266 or 060 424 7880.
Emails also include pictures or identity documents of TFR employees.
He adds TRF will never give a range of prices within which to bid.
TRF invites anyone who may be aware of such scams to call their anonymous tollfree fraud hotline number 0800 003 056 or email Transnet@tip-offs.com
