FRAUDULENT TENDER INVITATIONS

PURCO SA is aware of at least two fraudulent tender invitation emails being distributed that look like they come from PURCO SA. These emails were not sent by PURCO SA.

It is very likely that there are other similar fraudulent emails in circulation.

The two emails we have seen so far purport to be in respect of tenders for Gert Sibande TVET College and Buffalo City TVET College. In both cases the emails are very realistic and convincing.

• Both refer to real PURCO SA tenders, although the information is outdated and is in respect of tenders that closed some time ago.
• Both appear to have been sent by real PURCO SA staff members, but the email addresses are fraudulent and are not owned by PURCO SA. The one email uses a domain of purco-sa.co.za (with a hyphen) and the other uses a domain of purcosa.co (no .za at the end).

Crucially, both emails invite you to purchase tenders by depositing funds into the fraudsters' bank accounts.

If you receive these or similar invitations to purchase tender documents do not respond.                                                                

Please take note:

• All PURCO SA tenders are listed on the PURCO SA website at https://purcosa.co.za.
• All PURCO SA tenders are paid via the PURCO SA website using our Payfast facility.
• PURCO SA will never ask you to directly deposit funds into a bank account.

What should you do?

• Do not purchase any tender that is not listed on the PURCO SA website.
• Always double check before purchasing any tender, even if it looks genuine. A quick Google will enable you to find the real company's website where you can check their tender practices and if necessary confirm if the tender is genuine. Do not use the website links, email addresses or phone numbers provided on the email as they will likely belong to the fraudsters.
• If you have been affected by these fraudulent emails contact your bank to have your payment stopped, if possible.

In the above two cases the fraudsters used Bidvest Bank accounts. We have been in contact with the Bidvest Bank Fraud Department and both accounts have been suspended. But it is likely that the fraudsters may have other Bidvest Bank accounts, or accounts at other banks so always be careful.

There are lots of fraudulent emails in circulation, especially for tenders, proof of purchase, and legal processes. Always be very cautious and think twice before you click on links in any emails, download any attachments, or make payments.