The South African Governments has issued a statement on Monday, warning the public about a scammer pretending to be an official from the Department’s finance unit. The scammer solicits money from the service providers and this has come to the attention of the Department of Employment and Labour.
‘Department of Employment & Labour warns the public about a scammer purporting to be an official from the Department’s finance unit soliciting cash from service providers’
‘The Department of Employment and Labour has learned with concern about a scam that is taking place following the advertisement of a number of tenders by the Department.’ The Government stated on Monday.
The statement clearly explains that the alleged scammer sends out fake ‘tender award’ letters to unsuspecting service providers requesting gratitude money payments to complete the process.
‘The department wishes to inform members of the public that under no circumstance would the Department request service providers to pay any money for awards to be issued, as the normal standard procedures are applied and do not require any payments.’ The government said.
The government also explains that the fraudulent letters that are being sent out by the scammer(s) to the service providers have features that do not adhere to the department’s standards, and therefore encourages providers to confirm/verify with the department as soon as they receive correspondence alleged to be from the Department.
‘Members of the public are also encouraged to report any suspected criminal acts to the SAPS; report on the Department’s fraud hotline number: 086 002 2194 or email – fraud@labour.gov.za or visit the nearest office of the Department.’
