Beware of tender scams

The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has become aware of recent fraudulent activities aimed at potential bidders for city tenders.

Scammers falsely impersonate CoE officials to deceive suppliers into sharing sensitive information or making unsolicited payments.

In a disturbing incident, an individual posing as a CoE official contacted a service provider, claiming he recommended the supplier for a tender. The scammer then requests a monetary thank you for their so-called recommendation.

This is an example of these criminals’ fraudulent tactics. The tender the scammer mentioned has not been evaluated.

The CoE urges suppliers to remain vigilant and follow these safety guidelines:

• Verify communication: Always confirm communication by visiting the CoE’s physical offices or using the official contact details listed below.

• Be aware of red flags: Be careful of unfamiliar email addresses, contact numbers, or suspicious requests. All CoE landline numbers begin with 011 999.

• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the CoE ethics hotline at ethicsinfo@ekurhuleni.gov.za

For inquiries regarding tenders or quotations, contact these officials:

For quotations below R750 000: Hannes.vschalkwyk@ekurhuleni.gov.za

For tenders above R750 000: Siphokazi.xokozela@ekurhuleni.gov.za