⚠️ Scam Alert: Fake DCS Tender from Sam.Juries@dcs.gov.za — BID NUMBER: RFQ NDCS06 /2025

Overview

A growing number of South African businesses are being targeted by scammers posing as government officials issuing fake tenders. One such scam involves a deceptive message from Sam.Juries@dcs.gov.za, with the subject line referencing a TENDER NOTICE – BID NUMBER: RFQ NDCS06/2025.

Although this email mimics the professional language and format of real government communication, it is completely fraudulent. The scammers aim to trick suppliers into engaging in fake procurement procedures, often leading to financial loss and reputational harm.

This article highlights the warning signs of this scam, explains how the operation works, and offers steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.

✉️ The Fake Tender Email

Here’s a copy of the email you may have received:

From: Sam.Juries@dcs.gov.za
Subject: TENDER NOTICE BID NUMBER: RFQ NDCS06/2025 FROM DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IN PRETORIA

Good day,

Please find the attached document for your review and attention. We kindly request you to go through the provided materials at your earliest convenience, as they contain important information relevant to the matter at hand.

Should you have any questions, need further clarification, or require additional details, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to assist you and ensure you have everything you need.

Thank you for taking the time to review the attachment.

Kind regards,
Sam Juries
Department of Correctional Services

This email may include an attachment that appears to be a formal Request for Quotation (RFQ) or Tender Document, but both the sender and the contents are fraudulent.

🚩 Red Flags – How to Spot the Scam

While the email is cleverly constructed, several inconsistencies point to a scam:

1. Impersonation of a Government Official

The email uses @dcs.gov.za, seemingly from a real government address. However, scammers often spoof legitimate domains to appear authentic. There is no verified record of “Sam Juries” employed at DCS, and the name does not appear in official directories.

2. Fake Tender Number

The referenced tender, RFQ NDCS06/2025, is not listed on the National Treasury eTenders Portal, which is the only official platform for publishing South African government tenders.

If a tender isn’t publicly listed, it’s not real.

3. Vague Language and No Specific Request

The email uses generic phrasing (“important information relevant to the matter”) without specifying what is being procured. Real RFQs clearly outline the items/services required, delivery timeframes, and submission requirements.

4. Urgency Without Transparency

Though the email urges you to respond quickly, it lacks a deadline, contact references, or even proper bid documents. This is designed to short-circuit your due diligence process.

🎯 How This Scam Typically Works

This type of procurement scam usually follows a familiar pattern:

Step 1: Initial Contact

You receive an email from someone claiming to represent a government department, in this case, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).

Step 2: Attachment with RFQ or Tender Docs

The scammer includes an attachment with what looks like an official RFQ or tender form. These documents often contain forged government logos, names, and bid references.

Step 3: Obscure or Specialized Equipment Request

You are asked to quote on items that are:

• Rare or unavailable in your current stock

• Branded or technical items (e.g., surveillance equipment, biometric scanners)

These are chosen intentionally to lead you to the next step…

Step 4: Referral to “Approved Supplier”

When you mention you don’t stock the item, you’ll be told to contact a “preferred supplier” (controlled by the scammer). This supplier gives you a high quote and demands upfront payment.

Step 5: Fake Order, Real Payment, No Delivery

Once you pay the supplier for the item, both the fake buyer and supplier vanish. You’re left out of pocket, and the Department of Correctional Services has no knowledge of the transaction.

⚠️ Example of Past Scam Victim Reports

Several companies across South Africa have reported being scammed out of R50,000 – R200,000 by:

• Paying upfront for goods to a supplier they were referred to in the tender

• Delivering goods to fake warehouse addresses

• Submitting sensitive business documents that were later used for identity theft or fraud

✅ How to Protect Your Business

1. Always Verify Tenders on eTenders Portal

Legitimate government tenders are published at:
🔗 https://www.etenders.gov.za
Search using the department name or reference number. If it’s not listed — it’s fake.

2. Contact the Department Directly

Never rely on contact information in a suspicious email. Always verify through:

• DCS Official Website

• Phone numbers and email addresses listed on the government directory

3. Research the Individual

Check if the person who emailed you is a known employee of the department. You can:

• Search LinkedIn

• Use government staff directories

• Call DCS HR or Procurement

4. Look Out for Red Flags in Product Requests

Unusual or highly specific items are often bait. DCS and other departments typically procure known equipment and services — not random tech with model numbers you’ve never heard of.

5. Never Prepay a New Supplier Without Due Diligence

If you’re asked to pay a supplier you don’t know, especially one referred by the “government official”, this is almost always a scam.

🛡️ What To Do If You’ve Been Targeted

✔️ Don’t Respond

Block the sender and do not reply.

✔️ Report It Immediately

Send details to the following authorities:

• National Treasury Tender Fraud Email: tenderfraud@treasury.gov.za

• DCS Reporting Address: complaints@dcs.gov.za

• SAPS Cybercrime Division

Include:

Email headers

Attachments

Contact details you were given

✔️ Alert Your Staff

Educate your procurement, finance, and sales teams about this common scam method. Scammers often target multiple employees at once.

⚖️ Real vs Fake Tender: At a Glance

Feature Legitimate Tender Scam Tender

Source eTenders portal or official site Random email with PDF attachments

Contact Information Verified DCS emails and names Spoofed or unknown contacts

Item Requested Standard government-use goods Rare or technical items (not on open market)

Supplier Choice Open market or vetted suppliers Only 1 “preferred supplier” forced upon you

Payment Post-invoice via government systems Immediate payment to unverified third party

📢 Final Word

The tender from Sam.Juries@dcs.gov.za for BID RFQ NDCS06/2025 is not real.

It is part of a calculated scam exploiting the trust suppliers place in official-looking communications. These scams are growing more sophisticated, but with awareness, verification, and caution, your business can avoid becoming the next victim.