By STAFF REPORTER
North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has urged bidders to be wary of fraudsters. This comes after some bidders were allegedly contacted by fraudsters alleging that they have been sent to collect monies on behalf of chairpersons or directors for bids they have tendered for in order for them to get their appointment letters.
DARD spokesperson, Emelda Setlhako said the scam involves the fraudsters calling bidders and requesting money or using departmental letterheads or disguised as department’s representative to send out fake appointment letters to unsuspecting suppliers and service providers.
“All stakeholders that have received fraudulent letters are urged to report the matter to law enforcement agencies without hesitation and to inform the department of such activities. The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will never send e-mail asking service providers to supply equipment and goods/services without an official purchase order number,” Setlhako said.
Meanwhile, the Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) said: “We’re a Non-Profit Organisation focused on fraud prevention and leading the fight against fraud and financial crime.
“We help to keep you safe from fraudsters by providing fraud prevention services.
Through collaboration between our citizens, the public, private sectors and like-minded organisations across the globe, SAFPS aims to reduce the impact of financial crime on society and the economy.”
The SAFPS said it is passionate about providing fraud prevention awareness relating to identity theft and impersonation, by publishing relevant and current information via multiple channels including social media.
“Since 2001, we have prevented billions of rand worth of fraud losses within the South African economy for both our members and consumers at large. SAFPS envisions increasing the savings value of our footprint across the SADC region in the next five years,” website said.
To report fraud at SAFPS kindly call (011) 867-2234
The Guardian 