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⚠️ Fake Tender Alert: Fraudulent RFQ from Lande.Thiya@dcs.gov.za for Ankle Tracking Bracelets Introduction In the latest wave of procurement scams sweeping across South Africa, fraudsters are increasingly targeting suppliers through fake tender invitations that impersonate credible government departments. One such fraudulent email involves an individual using Lande.Thiya@dcs.gov.za, falsely representing the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). The scam email invites service providers to submit a quotation for 185 PT610H B5 Ankle Tracking Bracelets. This alert will break down the scam's red flags, explain the tactics used, show you how the fraud unfolds, and provide a step-by-step guide to protect your business from falling victim. Breakdown of the Scam Email Here’s a recreation of the message you may have received: From: Lande.Thiya@dcs.gov.za Subject: BID Opportunity Good day, Please find the attached request for quotation from Department of Correctional Services. 1. PT610H B5 Ankle Tracking Bracelet – [185] units Reply if you are interested. We will send you all the necessary documents. Could you please confirm the availability of these items and provide a detailed quotation, including delivery fees and applicable taxes? Additionally, an estimated delivery schedule would be highly appreciated. Kindly forward through all documentation and quotations for the 185x PT610H B5 Ankle Tracking Bracelets. Regards, Online Tender Updates Supply Chain Management Switchboard: +27 12 516 0123 Emails: Bota.Thenjiswa@dcs.gov.za Address: Poyntons Building (West Block), 124 WF Nkomo Street, Pretoria 0001 On the surface, this email appears to be a professional request for quotation from a legitimate government agency. But in reality, it is part of a sophisticated procurement scam designed to exploit unsuspecting suppliers and steal money through fake orders and supplier setups.
🚩 Red Flags That Prove It’s a Scam
1. Unsolicited RFQ with No Tender Number or Document Details
The message lacks a formal tender number, deadline, or any proper documentation in the body of the email. Instead, it prompts you to "reply if interested" — a clear red flag. Legitimate departments always include official tender documentation and specifications upfront or direct you to public platforms like the eTenders Portal.
2. Fake Government Identity
While the email uses @dcs.gov.za, scammers are known to spoof government domains or create lookalike email addresses that appear legitimate. Always double-check the domain headers, and verify with the official website or phone directory.
Furthermore, “Bota.Thenjiswa@dcs.gov.za” is likely fabricated or spoofed, and real DCS personnel are never introduced this vaguely in official communications.
3. Strange Product Request: PT610H B5 Ankle Tracking Bracelet
Scammers often choose obscure, technical-sounding items that aren't easily available. The item in question — PT610H B5 Ankle Tracking Bracelet — is not widely available on the open market, making it the perfect bait for the scam.
The fraudsters will soon refer you to their “preferred supplier” — a business they control — with exorbitant prices and fake documentation.
4. Urgency and Informal Language
There’s pressure to respond quickly to a vague opportunity, a tactic commonly used by scammers to short-circuit due diligence. Real procurement processes are formal, structured, and take weeks or months — not “reply if interested” within a few hours.
The Scam Playbook: How They Trick You
This scam is part of a larger pattern seen across South African procurement fraud schemes. Here's how it typically unfolds:
Initial Contact
You receive an unsolicited email from someone claiming to be from a government department, such as the DCS, requesting a quote for a specific item.
Engagement
If you respond with interest, they send a fake RFQ document — often with official-looking logos and formatting. The items listed are intentionally obscure.
Supplier Referral
You’re informed that you need to source the item from an “approved” or “preferred supplier” — which is actually part of the scam network. This supplier provides an inflated quote.
Quotation Submission and Order
You submit a quote and are “awarded” the tender. You then order and pay the fake supplier for the goods.
Disappearance
Once payment is made, all contact ceases. You’re left with no goods and no recourse. The real department has no knowledge of the transaction.
How to Verify a Real Tender
To avoid falling victim, always follow these best practices:
✅ 1. Check on the National Treasury eTenders Portal
All legitimate government tenders are listed on:
👉 https://www.etenders.gov.za
Search by department, tender number, or closing date. If the tender isn’t there — it’s not real.
✅ 2. Contact the Department Directly
Do not use contact numbers or emails provided in a suspicious message. Instead, use official channels from the department’s verified website:
👉 https://www.dcs.gov.za
Speak to someone in Supply Chain Management to confirm the tender's authenticity.
✅ 3. Examine Email Domains
Verify SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records where possible. Fake email addresses often lack proper security headers.
✅ 4. Review Product Details
Strange, highly specific or rare equipment names (like the “PT610H B5 Ankle Bracelet”) are a common scam tactic. Be wary if you’ve never seen these in public tenders before.
What to Do If You Receive Such an Email
If you’ve been contacted with this kind of email:
Do not reply.
Do not forward quotes or send payments.
Report it immediately to:
National Treasury’s Tender Fraud Hotline: tenderfraud@treasury.gov.za
DCS Anti-Fraud Hotline: complaints@dcs.gov.za
SAPS Cybercrime Division
Warn your procurement and finance team.
Ensure your internal teams are aware of this growing tactic and implement an approval protocol for any new government clients or opportunities.
Real vs Fake: A Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature Legitimate Tender Scam Tender
Source Listed on eTenders Sent via unsolicited email
Email Domain Official @gov.za & verifiable Spoofed or faked domains
Product Common, listed equipment Rare or obscure items
Quotation Process Strict protocols & deadlines "Reply if interested"
Supplier Approval Open to public or accredited vendors Only one "preferred supplier" provided
Payment Via secure procurement systems Prepaid to fake suppliers
Final Thoughts
The fraudulent tender from Lande.Thiya@dcs.gov.za requesting a quote for 185 PT610H B5 Ankle Tracking Bracelets is part of an elaborate scam operation aimed at stealing money through fabricated government procurement deals. While it appears professional and well-organized, it is ultimately designed to manipulate and defraud legitimate suppliers.
Your best defense is verification. Always slow down, double-check with official government portals, and never rush into unknown procurement deals without checking the source.
Stay Updated
To stay ahead of procurement scams:
Subscribe to tender alerts directly from https://www.etenders.gov.za
Train your procurement and finance staff on common scam signals
Share this article with your network to prevent others from falling victim
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