**** mails from the Dept of public works

Our business received an e-mail for an upcoming tender to supply 40 water pumps for the Dept of Public Works, for attn: Mamma Mabuso. We sourced quotes from our suppliers, but when we searched for the specific type of pump, immediately a company by the name of Pump Power in Gqeberha came up. When we contacted them for a quote on the pumps, they were cheaper than our normal suppliers. We asked for a written quote. We then quoted the Dept of Public Works and almost immediately received the go-ahead. Pump Power started calling us to ask when we will be paying the deposit. Our admin lady told them that the owner is in a meeting and we'll contact them as soon as we're ready to pay. They kept calling, asking how much we can pay, as they have already packed the order, ready to ship. Alarm bells went off and we contacted the Dept of Public works directly. Their number differed from the number on the tender form. They confirmed there is a Mamma Mabuso working there, but she's in Bloemfontein, not Pretoria. When we inquired about current tenders, they confirmed there is no such tender out at the moment, and it's a ****. These people are so organized, they've got all the right names, addresses, numbers, etc. They also work closely with the supplier, Pump Power, who will take your money for the pump order, but obviously never supply, and disappear with your money. Please be VERY aware of any government tenders sent out. Do your homework and contact them directly. Don't just believe everything at first glance.