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Businesses across South Africa are being warned about a suspicious email requesting quotations for the supply and delivery of **250 Luma-560 Magnetic Whiteboards**, allegedly on behalf of the South African Police Service (SAPS). If you receive such an email, proceed with extreme caution — it may be part of a procurement scam targeting suppliers.
### 📧 What the Scam Email Says
The message typically reads:
> “Please quote for the supply and delivery of 250 Luma-560 Magnetic Whiteboards with supporting documents attached at your earliest convenience.
> Best regards…”
It also includes a disclaimer stating that the email is confidential and that no responsibility or liability is accepted by SAPS regarding the accuracy of the information, viruses, or damages caused by opening the email.
At first glance, the message may appear professional and legitimate. However, scammers often impersonate government departments — including the South African Police Service — to trick suppliers into providing quotations, company documents, or even delivering goods without valid purchase orders.
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## 🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
Here are common warning signs associated with this type of scam:
### 1️⃣ Generic or Suspicious Email Addresses
Fraudsters often use email addresses that look official but are slightly altered (for example, Gmail, Outlook, or domains that resemble official government addresses). Always verify that the sender’s email ends with the official **@saps.gov.za** domain.
### 2️⃣ Urgent Request for Large Quantities
Requesting a quote for 250 whiteboards without prior engagement or registration on official supplier databases is suspicious. Government departments typically follow strict procurement processes.
### 3️⃣ Attached “Supporting Documents”
Attachments may contain fake purchase orders or tender documents designed to appear authentic. These may include forged logos or copied disclaimers. Never open attachments from unknown senders without verifying authenticity.
### 4️⃣ Disclaimer Used as a Shield
The inclusion of a professional-sounding disclaimer does not make the email legitimate. Scammers copy official disclaimers from genuine SAPS emails to make their message appear credible.
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## 🎯 How This Scam Works
In most cases, scammers request a quotation and then send a fake purchase order confirming the order. They may:
* Request urgent delivery.
* Provide fake proof of payment.
* Ask suppliers to arrange delivery to a third-party address.
* Disappear once goods are delivered.
In other cases, they may use your submitted company documents (CIPC registration, tax clearance, banking details, etc.) for identity fraud.
Small and medium-sized businesses are especially targeted because they are eager to secure large government contracts.
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## ✅ How to Protect Your Business
If you receive a similar email:
1. **Do Not Click on Attachments Immediately.**
2. **Verify Directly with SAPS.** Contact the official SAPS provincial or national office using contact details listed on their official website.
3. **Check the Procurement Process.** Government purchases are usually processed via official tender portals such as eTender or CSD (Central Supplier Database).
4. **Never Deliver Goods Without Verified Payment.**
5. **Report the Incident.** Notify SAPS and consider reporting the scam to your local police station or cybercrime unit.
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## 🛑 What To Do If You Already Responded
If you have already sent documents or a quotation:
* Immediately monitor your company’s financial accounts.
* Alert your bank about potential fraud risks.
* Inform your staff about the scam.
* Report the incident to SAPS with all email evidence.
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## 📢 Spread the Word
Procurement scams are increasing in South Africa, and fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated. Always verify before quoting, delivering, or sharing sensitive company information.
If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, pause and confirm through official channels. It is better to miss a potential opportunity than to suffer financial loss or identity theft.
Stay vigilant. Protect your business. Report suspicious activity immediately.
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