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🚨 SCAM ALERT: Fraudulent RFQ from “Leon Hofsta” – Department of Correctional Services
Beware of fake procurement emails claiming to be from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). If you've received an email from Leon.Hofsta@dcs.gov.za, this is almost certainly part of a tender scam campaign currently targeting South African businesses.
📧 Email Summary
Fake Name Used: Leon Hofsta
Email Address: Leon.Hofsta@dcs.gov.za (spoofed or fraudulent domain)
Subject: POTENTIAL SUPPLY AND Delivery
Phone: +27 012 516 0123 (likely fake or unmonitored)
Sender Listed in Email Body: Londeka Ndumo
Location Quoted: Poyntons Building, 124 WF Nkomo Street, Pretoria 0001
Request: Supply or outsource a product from an attached RFQ
⚠️ Why This Is a Scam
| Spoofed email domain | Real DCS emails use @dcs.gov.za, but scammers use lookalikes or spoof legitimate-looking ones. |
| RFQ with urgency | Common trick to pressure you into acting without verification. |
| Encourages outsourcing | You'll be directed to a fake "recommended supplier" for the product — who will demand payment upfront. |
| No official tender listing | The RFQ does not appear on the official eTenders portal. |
| Untraceable contact details | Numbers are often fake, redirected, or go unanswered. |
🧠 Example Text From the Email
“We urgently request that you supply or outsource the below item/product as per attached request for quotation… All queries, documentations and quotations should strictly be redirected to Email address: Leon.Hofsta@dcs.gov.za”
This language is consistent with known scam templates impersonating government departments.
🛑 What You Should Do
DO NOT:
Reply to the email
Open or download the RFQ attachment
Send a quotation or make any upfront payments
Call the number or engage with the "preferred supplier"
DO:
Report the scam to:
📧 fraud@dcs.gov.za
📧 fraud@treasury.gov.za
🛡️ SAPS Commercial Crime Unit
Mark the email as spam/phishing
Verify tenders on the official portal: https://www.etenders.gov.za
🔐 Final Note
Legitimate government RFQs will never ask you to outsource products or refer you to unknown third-party suppliers. Always verify independently through official channels before engaging.
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