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⚠️ SCAM WARNING: Fraudulent RFQ Using Email "Shillo.MacKenzie@dcs.gov.za" and Bid Number DCS-10-2025

South African suppliers are once again being targeted in a sophisticated procurement scam, this time disguised as an urgent Request for Quotation (RFQ) from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) with the reference DCS-10-2025. The email claims to be from Shillo MacKenzie of DCS, directing you to send your quotation and documents to a Zahira Ismail via a suspicious DCS-branded email.

📩 Breakdown of the Scam Email

• Sender (spoofed): Shillo.MacKenzie@dcs.gov.za

• Reply-to email: Zahira.Ismail@dcs.gov.za (likely spoofed as well)

• Bid/Quotation Number: DCS-10-2025

• Closing Date: Monday, 9 June 2025

• Product: Not specified in your message, but often this type of scam targets items like:

  • Mattresses

  • Toners/ink cartridges

  • Electronics

  • Cleaning supplies

  • PPE or biometric scanners

• Phone Contact: 068 982 8584 (a common red flag: unlisted cell number)

• Delivery Location: Drakenstein Maximum Center, Paarl

🚩 Red Flags That Indicate a Scam

1. Unlisted Tender

   • DCS-10-2025 is not listed on the National Treasury eTenders Portal or the official DCS website. All public tenders must be advertised there.

2. Fake/Impersonated Officials

   • Names like Shillo MacKenzie and Zahira Ismail are not publicly listed as part of DCS procurement staff.

   • The use of mobile numbers (like 0689828584) is a major red flag. Government tenders never use cell phones for official procurement communication.

3. Urgency Pressure

• Scammers often use a tight deadline (e.g., “send by Monday”) to rush your response, bypassing proper verification.

4. Suspicious Documentation Request

   • You’re often asked to send:

     • Tax Clearance Certificate

     • Company Registration

     • CSD report

     • Director’s ID

     • Banking details

   • These documents can be used to steal your company identity or open fraudulent bank accounts.

5. Spoofed Government Email Addresses

   • While the domain appears correct (@dcs.gov.za), scammers can spoof this to trick recipients. However, the reply address may differ subtly or be monitored through a compromised email account.

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🕵️ What Scammers Usually Do Next

1. Issue a Fake Purchase Order
   Once you submit your quote, they may send you a fake Purchase Order (PO) with a “preferred supplier” for the requested goods.

2. Create a "Supplier Trap"
   This “preferred supplier” is actually part of the scam ring. If you place an order with them (e.g., mattresses, cartridges), you’ll lose your money—and the DCS never receives or requested the goods.

3. Exploit Your Documents
   Using your CSD report, banking details, and director ID, they can:

   • Create fraudulent companies

   • Apply for credit

   • Impersonate you in future scams

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✅ What You Should Do Immediately

🔍 1. Verify the Tender

• Check for the RFQ (DCS-10-2025) on:

  • https://etenders.gov.za

  • DCS official site: https://www.dcs.gov.za

• Call DCS directly at 012 307 2000 to verify if the request is real.

🚫 2. Do NOT Send Documents

• Avoid sharing personal or company documents with unverified contacts, even if the email looks official.

📣 3. Report the Scam

• Report it to:

  • DCS Fraud Hotline: 0800 701 701

  • National Treasury SCM Fraud Hotline

  • SAPS Commercial Crime Unit

  • Bank if you shared banking info

🔐 4. Monitor Your CSD Account

• Login to your CSD profile and check for any unauthorized changes.

• Change passwords and alert Treasury if your account may have been compromised.

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🛡️ Final Advice

This type of scam is increasingly common in South Africa. Criminal syndicates target legitimate suppliers using names of real government departments, spoofed emails, and urgent tenders.

Always remember:

No legitimate government tender is sent directly to your inbox with a personal request to submit documents. All must appear on the official portals.