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🚨 SCAM ALERT: Fake DCS Tender for Permanent Markers Using Email “Sibeko.Glanderlyns@dcs.gov.za”
A new tender scam is targeting South African businesses by impersonating the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). The fraudulent email uses the subject line “03-06-2025-RFQ-CORRECTIONAL SERVICES (PERMANENT MARKERS)” and comes from the address Sibeko.Glanderlyns@dcs.gov.za. It instructs recipients to submit quotations to Cindy.Rambaran@dcs.gov.za and Cindy.Rambaran@outlook.com—a clear red flag.
If you’ve received this email, do not respond or send a quotation. This is a scam.
🧾 What the Fake RFQ Says
The message typically reads:
“We urgently request that you supply or outsource the below item/product as per attached request for quotation... All relevant documents and quotations should be emailed to Cindy.Rambaran@dcs.gov.za and Cindy.Rambaran@outlook.com before Friday 6th June 2025.”
It’s written to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy—using the DCS name, official-sounding contacts, and a false deadline to pressure you into replying without verifying.
🔎 Red Flags That Prove This Is a Scam
Suspicious Email Addresses
The name Sibeko.Glanderlyns@dcs.gov.za does not match any known DCS personnel.
The use of Cindy.Rambaran@outlook.com alongside a government email is a huge red flag—government officials do not use personal email accounts for procurement.
Unsolicited RFQ
Legitimate DCS tenders are published on www.etenders.gov.za. If this “RFQ” isn’t listed there, it’s fake.
Out-of-scope Supply Request
These scams often ask you to outsource a product you don’t usually deal in. That’s intentional—they’ll later direct you to a fake supplier as part of the scam.
Urgency and Isolation
The short deadline and strict instruction to send only to one or two email addresses aims to bypass your internal controls and limit scrutiny.
🎯 How the Scam Works
Here’s the typical scam process:
You receive the fake RFQ and send a quote.
The scammers accept and issue a fake purchase order (PO).
They pressure you to buy the goods from a “preferred” supplier.
You pay the supplier upfront (to secure stock).
The supplier vanishes, and you lose the money.
No goods are delivered. No payment from DCS is ever made. You are left with a financial loss.
🛡️ How to Protect Your Business
Always Verify Tenders
Check the official National Treasury eTenders portal.
Call the department using verified contact details (not those in the email).
Never Respond to Personal Email Addresses
Government RFQs never come from or request responses to @outlook.com, @gmail.com, or any other personal domains.
Don’t Be Rushed
Scammers rely on urgency. Take your time to verify the source.
Watch for Mismatched Details
Fake names, unusual formatting, and generic language are common in scam emails.
Educate Your Team
Procurement, finance, and sales staff should be trained to spot suspicious RFQs.
📝 Example of the Scam Email (Summarized)
From: Sibeko.Glanderlyns@dcs.gov.za
Subject: 03-06-2025-RFQ-CORRECTIONAL SERVICES (PERMANENT MARKERS)“Please quote urgently. Send quotation to Cindy.Rambaran@dcs.gov.za and Cindy.Rambaran@outlook.com only. Any other form of submission will render your quote invalid.”
📣 What To Do If You Received the Scam Email
Do not respond or send any quote.
Do not contact or pay any “recommended supplier.”
Report the scam to:
National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701
Department of Correctional Services Fraud Desk: fraudprevention@dcs.gov.za
SAPS Cybercrime Unit: Visit your nearest station or saps.gov.za
Alert your bank immediately if funds were transferred.
⚠️ Final Warning
This scam is part of a larger pattern of fake procurement emails impersonating various South African government departments. The inclusion of a valid-looking domain (like @dcs.gov.za) is part of their deception. Email domains can be spoofed or misused by cybercriminals.
Unless verified directly through official channels, you should treat these RFQs as fraudulent.
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