Fake Tender DSTN 07/2025-9371 for 10 x PTZ360 Solar Surveillance Towers

Scam Alert Report – Fake Tender DSTN 07/2025-9371 for 10 x PTZ360 Solar Surveillance Towers

This report highlights a suspected tender scam involving the fraudulent use of official-looking details from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Drakenstein Management Area, South Africa. The scam revolves around a fake tender request for “10 x PTZ360 Solar Surveillance Towers” under the reference DSTN 07/2025-9371. The scheme appears to impersonate a legitimate government tender process, using a real official’s name and contact details to trick suppliers into sending quotations and possibly paying “upfront fees” or releasing goods without proper verification.

Nature of the Scam

The fraudulent tender documents or emails are crafted to look authentic, often containing:

• A genuine government logo and letterhead.

• A formal-sounding tender reference number (DSTN 07/2025-9371).

• Specific product requirements (PTZ360 Solar Surveillance Towers).

• Real names and titles of legitimate DCS staff — in this case, Ms. Nokubonga Mgidi-dlunge, Tender Administration Official.

• Contact details such as Tel: 021 516 0243 and Nokubonga.Mgidi-dlunge@dcs.gov.za to appear convincing.

By using actual departmental contact names, the scammers aim to bypass suspicion and gain the trust of unsuspecting suppliers.

How the Scam Works

1. Initial Contact
   The scammer sends out fake “Request for Quotation” (RFQ) documents to suppliers, often targeting companies that deal in surveillance equipment or similar goods.

2. Urgency and Pressure
   The request typically comes with a short deadline, creating urgency so that suppliers rush to prepare quotes without proper verification.

3. Impersonation of Officials
   Legitimate-sounding titles, names, and departmental email addresses are used. However, in many cases, the scammer provides a different contact email or phone number for submissions, often linked to fraudulent accounts.

4. Possible Advance Payment Trap
   In some tender scams, once the supplier “wins” the contract, they are asked to pay for delivery permits, special packaging, or “government vendor registration fees.” This is the point where victims lose money.

5. Non-existent Tender
   Upon verification with the Department of Correctional Services’ official procurement office, it becomes clear that DSTN 07/2025-9371 is not an active or registered tender.

Why This Tender is Suspicious

Several indicators point toward this being a scam:

• Unsolicited Tender Requests – Many victims report receiving the request without ever being registered as a supplier with DCS.

• Unusual Product Specifications – The requested “PTZ360 Solar Surveillance Towers” are high-value, niche products, which makes them a prime target for fraudulent procurement attempts.

• Potential Email Spoofing – While the displayed email address may look official, scammers can spoof government emails or create lookalike addresses.

• Official Disclaimers from DCS – The Department of Correctional Services has issued multiple past warnings about fraudulent tenders, where criminals impersonate officials.

Impact of Such Scams

• Financial Loss to Businesses – Suppliers may lose thousands of rands in upfront fees or by delivering goods they will never be paid for.

• Damage to Government Reputation – Criminals tarnish the name of departments they impersonate, eroding public trust.

• Operational Disruption – Scams waste valuable time and resources for both suppliers and legitimate procurement staff.

What to Do if You Receive This Tender

1. Verify Directly with the Department
   Contact the Department of Correctional Services through their official published contact numbers, not those listed in the suspicious document.

2. Check the Tender on Official Portals
   Use the eTender Portal (www.etenders.gov.za) or the department’s official procurement bulletin to confirm if the tender exists.

3. Report the Incident
   Forward the suspicious tender documents to fraud@dcs.gov.za, SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit, or the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (0800 701 701).

4. Avoid Making Payments
   Government departments never require suppliers to pay upfront fees for vendor registration or contract processing.

Call for Action

It is recommended that:

• The Department of Correctional Services investigate the impersonation and take legal action against the perpetrators.

• Procurement warnings be widely publicised to prevent further victimisation of suppliers.

• Businesses remain vigilant and implement strict verification procedures before responding to high-value tenders.

The fraudulent tender DSTN 07/2025-9371 for “10 x PTZ360 Solar Surveillance Towers” is a sophisticated scam that misuses the name of Ms. Nokubonga Mgidi-dlunge, Tender Administration Official at the Drakenstein Management Area, Department of Correctional Services.

This case serves as a reminder that even tenders that appear genuine — complete with government branding, official names, and plausible contact details — should be carefully verified through official procurement channels. The public and businesses are urged to remain alert, report suspicious activity, and ensure that no financial or product losses occur as a result of such fraudulent schemes.