.jpg)
ALERT: Fake RFQ Scam Using Department of Social Development Name and "Zikhona Sodika" Identity
Businesses are being targeted by a new tender scam that falsely claims to originate from the Department of Social Development (DSD). The fraudulent email comes from zikhona.sodika@za-dsd-procurement.online, an unofficial domain designed to appear legitimate. This is a scam, and companies are urged to be vigilant and avoid engaging with this solicitation.
How the Scam Works
This scam is a form of fake Request for Quotation (RFQ) fraud, where criminals impersonate government entities to lure companies into submitting quotations or even paying for stock to fulfill fictitious orders. These scams are meticulously crafted to look like authentic procurement opportunities, but they contain several red flags.
Let’s break down how this particular scam plays out:
1. Initial Contact
You receive an unsolicited email with the subject line "QUOTATION NEEDED FOR IMMEDIATE Project", apparently from Zikhona Sodika at the Department of Social Development. The message claims there’s an urgent opportunity for you to submit a quotation for products listed in an attachment (often no real attachment is included).
2. Fake Authority & Urgency
The email gives the impression of official government business by referencing real DSD addresses (e.g., HSRC Building, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria) and a government-sounding email signature. It pushes urgency, stating the closing date is within 3 working days, which pressures recipients to act without verifying.
3. Scope Doesn't Matter
The email tells you it doesn’t matter if the products are within your company’s scope. You’re encouraged to outsource the items if necessary and quote through your company. This odd instruction is key to the scam – it opens the door for the scammers to direct you to a fraudulent supplier.
4. The Setup
Once you engage, the scammers will likely send you fake documents (RFQ, purchase orders) and refer you to a so-called “recommended supplier” who can help fulfill the product list. This supplier is actually part of the scam.
5. The Trap
You’ll be asked to pay the recommended supplier upfront to secure stock. After payment, the supplier disappears. You’ll have lost money with no real government contract, no goods, and no legal recourse.
Why This Is NOT a Legitimate Request
Several clear signs prove this is a scam:
Email Domain: The domain za-dsd-procurement.online is fake. All real DSD communications will come from .gov.za addresses, e.g., @dsd.gov.za.
Generic Language: The use of "Dear Service provider" and vague references to an “immediate project” are not how official tenders are issued. Authentic tenders are targeted and specific.
Encouragement to Outsource: Legitimate procurement requests do not ask suppliers to go outside their expertise or to find other vendors.
No Tender Number: Real tenders include reference or bid numbers, itemized specifications, and proper documentation from the department’s procurement office.
What To Do If You Receive This Email
If you received a tender request from zikhona.sodika@za-dsd-procurement.online, do not respond. Here's what you should do:
Verify First: Contact the Department of Social Development directly using their official website www.dsd.gov.za or phone number. Do not use the contact details in the scam email.
Report the Scam:
Email: scams@dsd.gov.za (if available)
Call the National Anti-Corruption Hotline: 0800 701 701
Report to SAPS Commercial Crime Unit
Alert Your Network: Share a warning with others in your industry or business network so they do not fall victim.
Never Pay Upfront: No legitimate government tender will require you to make an upfront payment to a third-party supplier.
How to Protect Your Business from Tender Fraud
As these scams become more common and more convincing, it’s essential to implement safeguards:
Train your staff to spot phishing emails and fraudulent RFQs.
Double-check domains – all South African government tenders are issued under .gov.za domains.
Use the Central Supplier Database (CSD) to verify if you’re listed as an approved supplier before responding to any tender.
Consult the National Treasury eTender Portal: www.etenders.gov.za – this is the only central source for verified government tenders.
Conclusion
The scam involving zikhona.sodika@za-dsd-procurement.online is part of a broader scheme exploiting South Africa’s procurement environment. While the fraudsters try to lend credibility by mimicking official names and using real department addresses, the misleading email domain, vague messaging, and push for urgency are telltale signs of a scam.
Always be skeptical of unsolicited RFQs that ask you to source items outside your scope or offer “urgent” opportunities with vague details. Verification and caution are your best defense against financial loss.
.jpeg)
