RFQ NUMBER: DCS-RFQ12025

🚩 RED FLAGS in the Email from “Hadiyo.Sebiloane@dcs.gov.za”

1. Email Content Lacks Professional Formatting

• No official DCS letterhead

• No reference to which items are being requested in the body

• No formal sign-off or signature from “Ayanda Mabaso”

Real government communication includes proper formatting, formal language, and complete official details.

2. Contradictory Roles and Email Names

• Email is sent from Hadiyo Sebiloane

• Sign-off is by Ayanda Mabaso

Legitimate tender emails from DCS come from one authorized person, not a random mismatch of names.

3. Encourages Outsourcing (Again)

"Doesn't require you to be in scope..."

As seen in the previous scam emails, this is a key technique to cast a wide net and entice desperate service providers.

Real tenders require:

• Bidders to be registered on CSD

• Proof of industry experience

• Past performance or references

4. “This is an automated email…”

"It may reach you after hours..."

This is an attempt to make up for the lack of personalized follow-up or weird sending hours — a classic phishing redirection tactic to gain your trust.

5. No Valid Tender Number Listing

The RFQ Number: DCS-RFQ12025 cannot be found on etenders.gov.za or through a basic search.

🔒 VERDICT

✅ Highly likely a scam designed to:

• Trick you into sharing sensitive documents (business registration, bank letters, ID)

• Potentially install malware via attachments

• Waste your time and bait you into giving quotes for non-existent orders

🔍 Recommendations for Your Article Section

For this email, your article can include a “Common Traits of Tender Email Scams” checklist. For example:

Common Traits in All 5 Scam Emails