Scam Alert: Public Works Dept. issues warning

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has issued a warning to members of the public, especially job seekers and small businesses, of scammers who are out in full force ahead of the festive season.

“Please be not foolish with your money and be misled and lied to by scammers,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.

All job offers by the department are officially advertised

The department said it does not offer any jobs or tenders that are not officially advertised in the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) circular, on the official departmental website – www.publicworks.gov.za – or in national newspapers.

The website, application links and email addresses always end with “gov.za” and never with “.org” as advertised in the latest fraudulent adverts.

Lookout for scammers who request payment

The public is warned to be on the lookout for these scammers who often request payments from people for government services that are never paid for.

“Please take note that the government will never request payments for services, jobs and tenders – the so-called RFQ. Any request or demand for money on any ‘job advert’ should set off the alarm bells already.

“We urge all job seekers to always verify all advertised vacancies by going to the official websites as highlighted above. Job seekers are also advised to visit the DPWI offices to verify any vacancies advertised,” the department said.

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Any Request for Quotation (RFQ) or suspicious job offers must be verified with the department.

The public is advised to visit the departmental website or contact 012 406 1439 or Lesole.Matsotso@dpw.gov.za.