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🚨 SCAM ALERT: Fake Tender from Olga Mavuso – Wool Blanket RFQ
Criminal syndicates continue targeting South African businesses with fraudulent tender scams, this time using the name Olga Mavuso from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and a fake contact person, Ms. Ruth Louton, to push urgent requests for wool blankets.
📧 Sample of the Scam Email
From: Olga.Mavuso@dcs.gov.za
Subject: Wool Blankets Needed Urgently: Please RespondGood day,
Attached are documents from the Department of Correctional Services. We trust this provides the information you need.
For questions or assistance, contact:
Ms. Ruth Louton
📞 +27 (0)787 455 618We look forward to your feedback.
— Online Tender Updates
🚩 Red Flags in This Scam
| Fake urgency | Designed to rush you into action without verifying details. |
| Personal contact number (Ruth Louton) | Government departments do not use personal mobile numbers for tenders. |
| Generic wording | "Online Tender Updates" is not an official DCS division. |
| No reference number or proper tender documentation | Legitimate tenders always include official reference codes and are posted publicly. |
| Spoofed government email | The address Olga.Mavuso@dcs.gov.za may be spoofed or misused. |
🎭 How This Scam Works
You receive a vague but official-looking RFQ for a product (in this case, wool blankets).
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You’re urged to respond urgently.
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They pressure you to source the product, often from a supplier they control.
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You pay for the goods, expecting reimbursement from DCS.
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The contact person disappears — and so does your money.
📌 Scam Details Summary
| Names Used | Olga Mavuso, Ruth Louton |
| Fake Tender Product | Wool blankets |
| Phone Contact | +27 787 455 618 (not official) |
| Red Flags | No tender number, no eTenders listing, non-gov contacts |
| Intended Victim | Legitimate businesses, SMMEs |
✅ How to Stay Safe
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Do not respond to unsolicited tender emails.
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Verify all RFQs through the National Treasury eTenders Portal:
🔗 https://www.etenders.gov.za -
Contact DCS directly through its official channels:
🔗 https://www.dcs.gov.za -
Report the scam to:
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National Treasury: 📧 fraud@treasury.gov.za
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DCS: 📧 fraud@dcs.gov.za
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SAPS Cybercrime Unit
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🔐 Reminder
✅ No government tender requires you to outsource to a specific supplier or pay upfront to participate.
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