The Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIT) and the Ministry of Works and Transport (MWT) have cautioned the public and potential investors against a fraudulent bid invitation circulating on social media platforms.

In a joint statement recently, the ministries said the fraudulent bid invitation purportedly invites potential investors and international bidders to apply for extensive developmental projects, such as the construction of thousands of houses as well as shopping malls in Oranjemund and Lüderitz, respectively.

It said the bid circulated under the forged signature of MIT Executive Director Sikongo Haihambo, and it read: “Bids are hereby invited through the international bidding (works) per section 29 (1) ( b) of the Public Procurement Act 15 of 2015 as amended.”

It cautioned that the notice does not originate from the MIT nor MWT as being portrayed.

The ministries indicated that the scammers are contacting individuals and entities, both local and international, to apply for the fabricated bidding invitation.

“The public is further advised not to entertain phone calls claiming to be from the ED of the MIT, soliciting funds from potential or interested investors. The ED will never contact anyone requesting funds, and public procurement procedures should be followed through the established channels and institutions,” read the statement.

It strongly urged the public not to contact the numbers or to deposit any money into the account numbers provided.