DURBAN – A SCAM alert has been issued to all suppliers and service providers of the Government Printing Works (GPW).
The GPW said it had come to its attention that there are certain unscrupulous companies and individuals who are defrauding unsuspecting businesses disguised as representatives of the GPW.
The alert was gazetted on September 3, 2021.
“The scam involves the fraudsters using the letterhead of GPW to send out fake tender bids to companies and requests to supply equipment and goods. Although the contact person’s name on the letter may be of an existing official, the contact details on the letter are not the same as the Government Printing Works,” it said.
It said when searching on the internet for the address of the company that sent the fake tender document, the address does not exist.
“The banking details are in a private name and not a company name. Government will never ask you to deposit any funds for any business transaction,” it said.
GPW has alerted the relevant law enforcement authorities to investigate this scam to protect legitimate businesses as well as the name of the organisation.
An example of an email being used by these fraudsters: [email protected]
GPW advised that should you suspect that you are a victim of a scam, you must urgently contact the police and inform the GPW.
“GPW has an official email with the domain as @gpw.gov.za,” it said.
Further tips and advice for GPW suppliers and service providers include:
- Government emails do not have org in their email addresses.
- All of these fraudsters also use the same or very similar telephone numbers. Although such a number with an area code 012 looks like a landline, it is not fixed to any property.
- GPW will never send you an email asking you to supply equipment and goods without a purchase/order number.
- GPW does not procure goods for another level of government. The organisation will not be liable for actions that result in companies or individuals being resultant victims of such a scam.
- GPW gives businesses the opportunity to supply goods and services through RFQ / Tendering process.
- In order to be eligible to bid to provide goods and services, suppliers must be registered on the National Treasury’s Central Supplier Database.
- To be registered, they must meet all current legislative requirements (eg have a valid tax clearance certificate and be in good standing with Sars).
GPW said the tender process is managed through the supply chain management (SCM) system of the department.
“SCM is highly regulated to minimise the risk of fraud, and to meet objectives which include value for money, open and effective competition, equitability, accountability, fair dealing, transparency and an ethical approach. Relevant legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines and instructions can be found on the tender’s website,” it said.
THE MERCURY