MB1029UH FLAT FINGERPRINT SCANNER) Quantity 45 Units

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Beware: Fake DCS Tender for Fingerprint Scanners Circulating

South African businesses are once again being targeted by a new wave of government tender scams. This time, cybercriminals are impersonating the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in an email requesting a quote for MB1029UH Flat Fingerprint Scanners.

While the message looks professional and even includes a named official and a Pretoria address, it's actually a well-crafted scam. Here's everything you need to know to stay safe and avoid falling for it.

🔎 The Email in Question: A Summary

From: Mishack.Ndlovu@dcs.gov.za
Subject: Urgent RFP – MB1029UH Fingerprint Scanners
Quantity: 45 units
Deadline: Tuesday, 20 May 2025 at 10:30 AM
Attachment: Product specifications and request for quote

“Only suppliers that are fully compliant with CSD may respond… Send quotation, CIPC, B-BBEE, and bank letter to Mr. Mishack Ndlovu.”

While the sender's email appears official, a number of red flags suggest this is a fraudulent procurement scam.

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🚩 Red Flags in the Email: What Makes It Suspicious?

Although the email mimics a legitimate government tender, these details strongly suggest it’s part of a fraudulent scheme:

1. Uncommon Product with Vague Procurement Origin

“MB1029UH Flat Fingerprint Scanner – 45 Units”

This product isn’t standard across DCS equipment catalogs. Scammers often use obscure product names to confuse recipients, making verification difficult.

2. Urgency + Unverifiable Tender Number

“Closing date: 20 May 2025 at 10:30am”
“Quotation/Bid No: DCS2022025/26”

The urgency is used to rush decisions. The bid number format does not match DCS’s public procurement listings. Always cross-check on the National Treasury eTender Portal.

3. CSD Mention to Build False Legitimacy

“Only suppliers that are fully compliant with CSD may respond”

Scammers mention the Central Supplier Database (CSD) to sound credible. However, the inclusion is misleading — they don’t verify CSD credentials and use it to lure new businesses.

4. Request for Sensitive Documents

“Include CIPC, bank confirmation letter, B-BBEE”

These documents are often misused in identity theft or tender fraud, where your company’s details are cloned to scam others or access credit illegally.

5. The “Too Perfect” Email Signature

Mr Mishack Ndlovu
SECTION HEAD SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Tel: +27 12 516 0168
Cell: +27 71 987 6234
Email: Mishack.Ndlovu@dcs.gov.za

The name, address, and contact numbers appear polished but cannot be verified on DCS's official staff directory or any known government listings.

⚖️ Comparison: Real vs. Scam Tender Requests

FeatureLegit Tender (DCS or other)Scam Tender

Email domain	Ends with @gov.za (authenticated)	May be spoofed or fake, not DMARC secured
Tender listed publicly	Yes – eTender Portal or DCS site	No – email only, not publicly searchable
Specific officer name	Searchable on gov sites	Usually untraceable or identity spoofed
File attachments	PDF, valid RFQ number, official seal	Often contain malware or vague documents
Product details	Verifiable through tender platforms	Obscure, inflated quantities, non-standard

🔐 Steps to Protect Your Business

Here’s how to stay safe when receiving emails requesting quotes or tenders:

✅ 1. Verify the Tender Number Publicly

Search the quoted RFQ or RFP number on:

✅ 2. Contact DCS Directly Using Known Numbers

Do not call numbers from the suspicious email. Instead, call 012 307 2000 (DCS switchboard) and ask to confirm if Mr. Mishack Ndlovu works there or if the tender is real.

✅ 3. Avoid Sending Personal or Bank Documents

Never send sensitive documents to unfamiliar procurement contacts — they could be used in business identity theft or to impersonate your company.

✅ 4. Report the Incident

If you suspect fraud, report it to:

Department of Correctional Services at communications@dcs.gov.za
SAPS Cybercrime Unit
National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 📞 0800 701 701

⚠️ What Happens If You Fall for It?

If you send a quote and your company documents:

Your company identity might be cloned to defraud others.
You could be asked to purchase and deliver goods at your cost, never to be reimbursed.
Your business might unknowingly be used in VAT fraud or tender laundering schemes.

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📌 Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Protected

Scams like the fake MB1029UH fingerprint scanner tender are designed to trick unsuspecting business owners and suppliers by mimicking government procurement processes.

The email may appear official, and the request might look legitimate, but always:
✅ Verify all tender information
✅ Double-check contact details
✅ Never send sensitive documents blindly

Be smart. Be cautious. Report suspicious tenders. The more we educate each other, the harder it becomes for these fraudsters to succeed.

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