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⚠️ Scam Alert: Fraudulent RFQ from “quotation-dsd.online” Posing as the Department of Social Development
South African businesses are being targeted by a new wave of fake tender scams, with cybercriminals impersonating government officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD). The latest scam involves emails sent from zikhona.sodika@quotation-dsd.online, falsely presenting a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under the guise of an urgent government procurement request.
This article breaks down how this fraudulent scheme works, why it’s dangerous, and what you can do to protect yourself.
📧 Breakdown of the Scam Email
The fraudulent email typically has the subject line: “Quotation Needed for Immediate” and uses the name Zikhona Sodika from the Department of Social Development. It appears official, includes a real government address (HSRC Building, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria), and features a sense of urgency, stating the closing date is “within 3 working days.”
The body of the email claims:
You are invited to supply goods based on an attached RFQ (usually a fake document or no attachment at all).
You don’t need to be in the industry related to the product – you're encouraged to outsource.
They request a quotation "as soon as possible" for an “urgent project.”
The catch? Once you respond, you're asked to source goods from a recommended supplier—which is part of the scam—and make payment upfront. Once the money is transferred, the supplier disappears, leaving you out of pocket.
🛑 Red Flags to Watch Out For
Suspicious Email Domain:
The email comes from @quotation-dsd.online – this is not a government domain. Legitimate South African government emails end in .gov.za.
Unsolicited Request:
You receive the email out of the blue, with no prior engagement or registration with the department.
Vague Project Details:
No tender number, no specifics about the items required, no bid documents – just general statements and urgency.
Encouragement to Resell Products:
Legitimate tenders do not suggest you find another supplier and quote under your name.
Pressure and Urgency:
“Closing in 3 working days” is a scare tactic. It pressures recipients into skipping due diligence.
Fake Procurement Officer:
Zikhona Sodika is a commonly used fake identity in multiple procurement scams and has no verified affiliation with DSD.
Suspicious Email Domain:
The email comes from @quotation-dsd.online – this is not a government domain. Legitimate South African government emails end in .gov.za.
Unsolicited Request:
You receive the email out of the blue, with no prior engagement or registration with the department.
Vague Project Details:
No tender number, no specifics about the items required, no bid documents – just general statements and urgency.
Encouragement to Resell Products:
Legitimate tenders do not suggest you find another supplier and quote under your name.
Pressure and Urgency:
“Closing in 3 working days” is a scare tactic. It pressures recipients into skipping due diligence.
Fake Procurement Officer:
Zikhona Sodika is a commonly used fake identity in multiple procurement scams and has no verified affiliation with DSD.
🚨 What Happens If You Engage?
If you respond, scammers typically do the following:
Send you a fraudulent RFQ document using an altered or forged DSD letterhead.
Recommend a “preferred supplier” who they claim is approved.
Ask you to pay that supplier in advance for stock.
Once you make the payment, both the “supplier” and the “official” vanish.
This leaves your company at a financial loss with no recourse and no way to trace the scammers.
If you respond, scammers typically do the following:
Send you a fraudulent RFQ document using an altered or forged DSD letterhead.
Recommend a “preferred supplier” who they claim is approved.
Ask you to pay that supplier in advance for stock.
Once you make the payment, both the “supplier” and the “official” vanish.
This leaves your company at a financial loss with no recourse and no way to trace the scammers.
✅ How to Verify Legitimate Government Tenders
If you suspect an RFQ is fake, follow these steps:
Check the email domain: Only trust @gov.za domains. The use of “.online”, “.org.za”, or anything else is suspicious.
Search the tender on official platforms:
Visit https://www.etenders.gov.za – South Africa’s official government tender portal.
Contact DSD directly:
Use the contact details listed on www.dsd.gov.za, not those in the email.
Call the National Anti-Corruption Hotline:
Report suspected fraud to 0800 701 701.
If you suspect an RFQ is fake, follow these steps:
Check the email domain: Only trust @gov.za domains. The use of “.online”, “.org.za”, or anything else is suspicious.
Search the tender on official platforms:
Visit https://www.etenders.gov.za – South Africa’s official government tender portal.
Contact DSD directly:
Use the contact details listed on www.dsd.gov.za, not those in the email.
Call the National Anti-Corruption Hotline:
Report suspected fraud to 0800 701 701.
🔒 How to Protect Your Business
Educate your staff about tender scams and phishing attempts.
Implement verification protocols for all unsolicited tender requests.
Never pay suppliers upfront without independently verifying them.
Verify procurement officials using the department’s public directory or official switchboard.
Keep records of suspicious emails and report them.
Educate your staff about tender scams and phishing attempts.
Implement verification protocols for all unsolicited tender requests.
Never pay suppliers upfront without independently verifying them.
Verify procurement officials using the department’s public directory or official switchboard.
Keep records of suspicious emails and report them.
📢 Conclusion
The email from zikhona.sodika@quotation-dsd.online is part of a tender scam that misuses the name of the Department of Social Development to steal money from unsuspecting businesses. While the email may look professional and use real government addresses, the fake domain, urgent tone, and invitation to outsource are major warning signs.
South African businesses must remain alert. Never trust unsolicited tender requests without verification. When in doubt, always confirm with the official department using contact information from verified sources—not what’s listed in the suspicious email.
⚠️ If you’ve received such an email:
Do not respond.
Do not click any attachments or links.
Report it immediately to the National Treasury or DSD.
Spread the word to help others avoid falling victim to this scam.
Do not respond.
Do not click any attachments or links.
Report it immediately to the National Treasury or DSD.
Spread the word to help others avoid falling victim to this scam.
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