PHALABORWA – Scammers posing as mining representatives have been luring medical doctors with promises of lucrative tenders, before demanding upfront payments of around R80 000 – money victims never see again.

How the scam works

A man who spoke to the Herald on condition of anonymity said scammers are targeting doctors based outside Phalaborwa by promising them lucrative mining tenders.

He explained that the scammers arrange meetings in Phalaborwa, but shortly before the scheduled meeting, they contact their victims and demand a large upfront payment, often around R80 000, before proceeding.

“If you make the payment, you lose the money,” the source said.

A doctor’s narrow escape

He added that his wife, a medical doctor currently based in Gauteng but originally from Limpopo, was recently targeted. The couple became suspicious when the scammers began requesting money and immediately alerted the police.

Police acted swiftly and managed to arrest two of the three suspects involved in the attempted scam. The third suspect slipped away before officers could apprehend him.

The Herald made several attempts to obtain further information from the Phalaborwa police regarding the two arrested suspects, but received no response. However, another police officer confirmed that this type of scam is widespread in the area.

Mining companies sound the alarm

Meanwhile, mining companies appear to be aware that their names are being used to defraud unsuspecting professionals. Foskor has issued a warning on its platforms, urging suppliers and job seekers to be vigilant.

According to Foskor, scammers typically request payments for supposed administrative fees, interviews, medical tests, access cards, uniforms, vendor registration, placement on supplier databases, or the awarding of contracts and tenders.

The mine has encouraged anyone who suspects they may have been targeted to report the matter through its whistleblowing channels.