Some businesses in Ladysmith have been hit by a scam in which companies (mainly hardware firms) are sent an offer to tender for the supplying of cutting discs to the Department of Public Works.
How the scam works:
Local business houses are advised as to where they can obtain the stock. Companies that reply soon receive an order. They also receive confirmation that the tender has been awarded to them.
The bogus ‘supply company’ insists on a deposit and offers to deliver the order to the Department of Public Works. A delivery note is then sent to the ‘tender company’ with a request of full payment.
When enquiries are made with the department, they discover that no tender was ever sent out. Needless to say, the company is left out of pocket. All letterheads and correspondences that are used seem to be very legitimate.
The business community is advised to verify all tender offers at the Department of Public Works or any other government department before entering into any business dealings in terms of tender processes.
According to a media statement by the HAWKS, police are investigating cases of fraud in this regard.
Any businesses that have been caught by this scam are requested to contact Captain Ramlagan at Ladysmith SAPS on 036-638-3350 (office hours).
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