SCAM ALERT!

Generator And Pump Scams

Currently there are a number of scams involving the sale of generators and pumps.

These scams are usually from emails asking companies to quote on fictitious government tenders. When you look up the part number that has been supplied in the tender you will find that there is only one company in South Africa that stocks this product.

The second scam involves them advertising the generators on facebook or similar platforms at ridiculously low prices. Be very careful when you see well known brand names being advertised at prices that are lower than Chinese imports.

When you receive an email pertaining to be from a government department, first check the email address and google that particular government department and verify the email address format. If you are still not sure, phone the government department and ask them to verify the email address format. Other telltale signs are incorrect spelling. You can also visit the South African government e-tender portal to verify the tender number. If the tender number is not listed on the e-tender portal, then it is a scam.

When visiting a website look out for the following:

Too many stock images
Spelling
Ridiculous claims such as having received over 20 awards etc
Spelling
In South Africa we do not have “states” we have provinces
The prices seem to good to be true
Free delivery anywhere in South Africa

Also check the address that is listed on the website and use google earth/maps to view it. Often the address listed is an open plot of land. If the address lists a business park, phone one of the other tenants and confirm that the company operates from that address.

The cities that have been used frequently in the past are;

Port Elizabeth (5 known scam websites)
Cape Town (3 known scam websites)
Bloemfontein (1 known scam website)

Currently there is a government tender for water pumps, the listed water pump in the tender can “only be bought” from a company called Alexa Top Trading. This company supposedly operates from the same office park as us…

We will be compiling a list of know scam websites and we will continue to update the below list. If you know of any other websites, please let us know and we will add them to the below list.