MS790B JH5 Hospital Mattress

Suppliers and service providers are urged to remain vigilant following the circulation of a Request for Quotation (RFQ) claiming to be from the Gauteng Department of Health. The message invites companies to submit quotations for the supply of 140 MS790B JH5 Hospital Mattresses, with delivery indicated at 45 Commissioner Street, Johannesburg.

While the email appears professional and uses official language, there are several warning signs that suggest it may be part of a procurement scam targeting businesses.

Firstly, the message is generic and not addressed to a specific company, instead using phrases like “Good day Service Providers” and “Your reliability is called upon.” Legitimate government tenders are usually published through formal procurement systems and are not randomly distributed in bulk emails without clear reference numbers or detailed bidding documents.

Secondly, the email states that the closing date is stipulated in the Standard Bidding Document (SBD), but does not clearly provide the document or a verifiable link to an official source. This lack of transparency is a common tactic used by scammers to encourage victims to respond before verifying the opportunity.

Another red flag is the “automated email” disclaimer, which mentions a delivery delay of up to 48 hours. Fraudsters often include such notes to make the communication seem part of a large system, even when it is not legitimate.

The request also involves the supply of medical equipment, a sector frequently targeted by scammers due to the high value of goods. In similar scams, once a supplier shows interest, the fraudsters may request sensitive company documents, such as registration papers, tax clearance certificates, banking details, and director IDs. This information can be used for identity theft, fraudulent tender submissions, or financial scams.

Additionally, scammers may later demand upfront payments for “processing,” “logistics,” or “compliance fees,” which are not required in legitimate government procurement processes.

It is important to note that genuine tenders from the Gauteng Department of Health are typically published through official procurement platforms managed by the National Treasury of South Africa, such as eTender portals and official bulletins.

How to protect your business:

✔ Verify all RFQs through official government procurement websites.

✔ Be cautious of unsolicited emails requesting quotations.

✔ Do not send sensitive company documents without confirming authenticity.

✔ Avoid deals that create urgency without proper verification channels.

✔ Never pay upfront fees to secure government tenders.

If you receive a similar request and suspect fraud, report it to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or contact the Gauteng Department of Health directly using verified contact details.

Staying alert can help prevent financial loss, data theft, and involvement in fraudulent procurement schemes that continue to target South African businesses