⚠️ Scam Alert: Fake Department of Human Settlements RFQ from "Linda Mangena" (dhs-sa.online)

🚨 Summary

Scammers are impersonating the Department of Human Settlements (DHS) to target South African businesses through fake Request for Quotation (RFQ) emails. These emails come from a fraudulent domain — @dhs-sa.online — and use the name Linda Mangena.

These emails request suppliers to quote on items even outside their normal scope, encouraging them to “source” from third parties (controlled by the scammers). The objective is to trick companies into paying fraudulent third-party suppliers who then disappear.

📧 Example of the Scam Email

Subject: RFQ Attached – Department of Human Settlements

Dear Service Provider,

On behalf of the Department of Human Settlements (DHS), an exciting opportunity for your company is being presented to supply and deliver the requested product as indicated on the RFQ attachment.

Kindly be advised that this is an open request for quotation which doesn't require you to be in the scope of the product. Rather, you may source it from another supplier and send us your quotation.

Delivery Address:
Govan Mbeki House, 240 Justice Mahomed Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0001

Closing Date: Within 3 working days

Kind Regards,
Linda Mangena
Procurement Department
Department of Human Settlements (DHS)
Tel: 012 516 0723
Email: linda.mangena@dhs-sa.online

🛑 Why This Is a Scam

1. Fake Domain Name

• Official DHS domain: @dhs.gov.za

• Fake scam domain: @dhs-sa.online
  Scammers register lookalike domains to appear legitimate. dhs-sa.online is not associated with the government.

2. Encouragement to Outsource

The scam email encourages you to source the requested product from another supplier, which opens the door for them to refer you to a fraudulent supplier (also controlled by them).

3. Urgency and Vague Product Info

The message:

Implies urgency

Often lacks clear specifications

Pushes you to act quickly without verifying

4. Untraceable Contact Info

The listed phone number, 012 516 0723, is not publicly associated with DHS. It’s likely a disposable or mobile number used by the scammer.

🎯 How This Scam Works

You receive the RFQ from "Linda Mangena"

You think it’s from DHS due to the professional tone and real-sounding address.

You're encouraged to outsource the product

The scammer will “help” by referring you to a preferred supplier.

You get a quote from the fake supplier

The quote seems legit and comes with a request for upfront payment.

You pay — and never hear from them again

The "supplier" disappears. DHS was never involved. Your money is gone.

🧠 Common Red Flags

Red Flag Explanation

Fake domain (dhs-sa.online) Not a government domain

Unverified contact person "Linda Mangena" has no official presence

Urgency & 3-day deadlines Meant to discourage due diligence

Encouragement to outsource Trick to introduce a fake supplier

No RFQ number or official documentation Scammers rely on vagueness

✅ How to Verify Real DHS Tenders

All genuine Department of Human Settlements tenders are published on:

🔗 www.etenders.gov.za

🔗 www.dhs.gov.za

You can also call DHS directly to verify:

📞 +27 12 444 5000

If an RFQ isn’t listed on eTenders, it’s not real.

📢 What to Do if You Receive This Email

1. Do NOT respond to the email or any contact details listed.

2. Do NOT send any money or pay any supplier introduced via email.

3. Report the scam:

   • To DHS: webmaster@dhs.gov.za or info@dhs.gov.za

   • To the National Treasury: tenderfraud@treasury.gov.za

   • To SAPS Cybercrime Unit or your nearest police station

4. Warn others – alert your company staff, clients, or supplier networks.

📝 Summary: Key Scam Details

📌 Final Thoughts

This “Linda Mangena” tender scam is another example of an increasingly common procurement fraud trend in South Africa. The use of real government departments, coupled with cloned email styles and urgency, makes these scams dangerously convincing.

Remember:
If you're being asked to “source” and pay a supplier upfront on behalf of government — it’s a scam.