Pretoria – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has warned its suppliers to be on the lookout for criminals using fraudulent documents to defraud their business.
NPA Head of Communications Bulelwa Makeke says they have established that criminals send a request for a quotation and thereafter issue a fraudulent government order to convince businesses to process the order.
Makeke says they then call the businesses persistently with the view to pressure them into immediate delivery.
She warned businesses to verify any requests.
“All legitimate requests for the NPA should come from an e-mail address ending @npa.gov.za. Where faxes are used, they will generally originate from the NPA official numbers,” said Makeke.
She added that they must be on the lookout for other signs like the telephone numbers being used as well as the NPA logo on the requests.
The validity of any request for quotation or official order can always be verified by contacting NPA Supply Chain Management office at 012 8456000.
Makeke said the NPA will not be held liable for any possible fraudulent actions by a third party.
“The NPA has a zero tolerance approach to fraud and corruption and criminal cases will be opened in all such cases. Furthermore, suppliers risk being blacklisted from doing business with any national, provincial or local government department for a period of up to 10 years.”
She further encouraged suppliers and service providers to report known or suspected fraud and corruption to their toll free number 0800 212 580. – SAnews.gov.za
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