.jpg)
⚠️ Scam Alert: Fake DCS Tender from Walter.Pangumso@dcs.gov.za
In a concerning trend that continues to affect South African businesses, especially those listed on the Central Supplier Database (CSD), scammers are sending fraudulent emails impersonating government procurement departments. One such example currently in circulation involves an email from Walter.Pangumso@dcs.gov.za, claiming to originate from the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) under the reference DCS/PRO/05/2025.
While the email may appear official—with professional formatting, legitimate-sounding contact details, and even government addresses—it is most likely part of a well-known procurement scam. If you or your company have received such an email, do not engage until you verify it through official DCS channels.
What the Scam Looks Like
The suspicious email typically follows a consistent script. Here’s what’s commonly included:
Subject line: Often something like “DCS/PRO/05/2025 Request for Quotation” or “Urgent Procurement Request.”
Sender: The name used is Walter Pangumso or another made-up contact person with an official-looking @dcs.gov.za email address.
Fake Procurement Officer Contact: The email may include another name like “Katlego Modise” with added legitimacy such as a government switchboard number or real building address (e.g. Poyntons Building, 124 WF Nkomo Street, Pretoria).
Outsourcing Encouragement: The recipient is told it’s acceptable—even encouraged—to quote for products that are “out of scope” by outsourcing to other suppliers.
Attachment: Usually an RFQ (Request for Quotation) document that contains tender details, delivery deadlines, and a list of goods required—often obscure or technical items.
Reply Instructions: It insists that all communication be strictly redirected to Walter.Pangumso@dcs.gov.za, sometimes along with a generic Gmail or Outlook address for “backup.”
Why This Is Suspicious
Even though the email may seem convincing, here are major red flags:
Email Deception: Scammers are increasingly spoofing official-looking email domains. Just because it says @dcs.gov.za doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. These can be faked or very subtly altered (e.g., @dcs-gov.co.za or similar).
Open-Scope Bidding: The message states that even if you’re not in the correct category on the CSD, you’re still encouraged to quote. This is not how real DCS or any government department operates.
Lack of Listing on Official Sites: Genuine tenders or RFQs will always be listed on https://etenders.gov.za or the CSD platform. This “tender” is not listed there.
Urgency Tactic: The message is often marked as urgent, requiring delivery or submission within 2-3 days. Real tenders follow regulated timelines and do not pressure suppliers via email alone.
Suspicious Contact Details: While the address and telephone number may appear real, the individuals named in these messages are not verifiable via official DCS channels. There’s no public record of a “Walter Pangumso” or “Katlego Modise” in the DCS procurement department.
The Goal of the Scam
This kind of fraud is typically designed to achieve one of two outcomes:
Goods Theft: After sending your quotation, you may receive a fake “purchase order” requesting you to buy goods from a “preferred supplier” or deliver them to a warehouse unrelated to DCS. Once you ship the goods, they vanish—and so do the scammers.
Advance Payment Fraud: In some cases, the scammer may ask you to pay upfront fees or deposits to confirm the tender award. No legitimate government agency asks for money to process tenders.
What You Should Do
✅ Verify Everything
Call the Department of Correctional Services using official contact numbers only (from their website: www.dcs.gov.za).
Confirm the names and RFQ numbers directly with their Supply Chain Management office.
✅ Check Tender Listings
Confirm if the tender exists on https://etenders.gov.za or https://secure.csd.gov.za.
✅ Report Suspicious Activity
Contact the National Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701.
File a report with the South African Police Service (SAPS) or Commercial Crimes Unit if you’ve already engaged with the scam.
❌ Do Not
Do not pay any upfront fees.
Do not deliver goods until you’ve confirmed the order via official DCS procurement protocols.
Do not respond or click on links in the email until you’ve confirmed the sender’s identity.
Final Thoughts
Scams like the one from Walter.Pangumso@dcs.gov.za are designed to exploit the trust businesses have in government procurement. They use urgency, formality, and technical language to create a false sense of legitimacy. Always cross-check with official platforms, and if anything feels even slightly off, stop and verify.
By staying vigilant and sharing awareness, we can protect more South African suppliers from falling victim to these sophisticated procurement scams.
.jpeg)
