The City of Cape Town urges suppliers to be aware of fake purchase order and acceptance letter emails that may be sent to them, purporting to be from the City or a City official. Suppliers should always double-check with the City to see whether any request is legitimate. Scammers are also trying to solicit bribes with the promise of successful tender outcomes. It must be noted the City has a zero tolerance approach to fraud and corruption.

‘The City’s Forensic Investigations Unit is aware of new scams shared with some City vendors. Scammers purport to be from the City or pose as a City official. Scammers are sending emails, mostly using the names of City officials, to vendors informing them that their quotation has been successful and then to submit additional documentation to the scammer.

‘Another scam is one where the scammer impersonates senior City officials, making phone calls or sending messages to vendors attempting to solicit bribes, promising in return the awarding of tenders and contracts to vendor firms. City vendors must not give money to anyone in exchange for tenders or contracts. Suppliers are reminded to be vigilant when receiving purchase orders or tender award letters and if it looks suspicious, confirm its authenticity with the City’s Supply Chain Management Department. The City has issued a notice to vendors on its database to be aware of this activity and the City urges vendors to please report suspicious interactions to the City for further investigation,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Finance, Councillor Siseko Mbandezi.

The City adopts a Supply Chain Management (SCM) Policy which embraces the principles of fairness, transparency, ethical conduct, competitiveness and cost-effective procurement. The City has a zero tolerance stance towards fraud, corruption and unethical practices by its staff and suppliers. Public funds must be managed and accounted for in line with the Municipal Finance Management Act and guiding procurement legislation.

Source: City Of Cape Town