Ada.Plug@dcs.gov.za

⚠️ URGENT ALERT: Don’t Fall for Fake Government RFQs – What You Need to Know About Tender Scams

South African businesses—especially those listed on the Central Supplier Database (CSD)—are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated scammers posing as officials from government departments. A new scam circulating involves a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 200 x DSP-790 Solar Street Lights, supposedly from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), sent by a person named Ada Plug via the email Ada.Plug@dcs.gov.za.

If you’ve received such an email, do not respond without verifying its authenticity. These scams are designed to look incredibly legitimate, using official language, fake job titles, and even real street addresses to appear trustworthy.

📧 Real Example: The Ada Plug Solar Street Light Scam

Here's how the scam typically appears:

Subject: URGENT RFQ: 200 x DSP-790 Solar Street Lights

Kind Regards,
Ada Plug
Supply Chain Management
Drakenstein Management Area
Tel: 021 516 0539
Email: Ada.Plug@dcs.gov.za

At first glance, this looks official. It uses:

• A real-sounding name

• A recognizable government domain (@dcs.gov.za)

• An official tone

• A seemingly urgent procurement request

• Government-related contact details

But here's why you should treat it with caution.

🚨 Red Flags to Watch Out For

✅ How to Verify If It’s Real

1. Search the Tender on eTenders Portal
   Go to https://www.etenders.gov.za and search using any reference number or department name.

2. Call the Department Using Official Contact Numbers
   Look up the Drakenstein Correctional Centre or Department of Correctional Services on Google or their official site to get the right contact details. Do not rely on the phone numbers provided in the email.

3. Check the Central Supplier Database (CSD)
   See if you’ve been notified via your CSD-registered email. If not, be suspicious.

4. Avoid Sending Documents Immediately
   Scammers often ask for:

• B-BBEE Certificates

• Company registration docs

• Bank confirmation letters

• Signed quotes
  These can be used to commit identity theft or company impersonation.

Keywords to Know

• Fake government tender

• DCS scam emails

• Ada Plug tender scam

• DSP-790 Solar Street Lights fraud

• Phishing RFQ South Africa

• Business tender fraud

• Supply chain email scam

• CSD supplier scam

• eTenders verification

• Procurement phishing

🏷️ Suggested Tags

#TenderScam #RFQFraud #SouthAfricaScams #DCSFraudAlert #BusinessSecurity #SolarLightScam #FakeRFQ #SupplyChainScam #AdaPlugEmailScam #CSDProtection

📸 Image to Include (I can generate this for you)

You can upload the scam email, and I will help generate a side-by-side graphic that highlights:

• The fake RFQ email from Ada Plug

• A sample of a verified tender listing from eTenders

This helps readers visually identify differences in structure, tone, and presentation.

🛡️ What to Do If You Receive a Similar Email

1. Don’t respond immediately.

2. Do your due diligence: verify via eTenders and DCS official contact lines.

3. Report it to National Treasury or the Anti-Corruption Hotline:

   • 📞 0800 701 701

4. Warn others in your business network.

💬 Final Word

The South African business community is under attack by increasingly professional scams that exploit trust in government institutions. Don’t be another victim.

Always verify the tender, check the source, and think before you send.