South Africa’s National Lotteries Commission (NLC) has warned prospective suppliers about an alleged scheme involving upfront payments for promised tender contracts.
The Commission said an individual identifying himself as Steven Baloi has allegedly contacted bidders using telephone number 076 106 1097. According to the NLC, those approached were asked to make payments after being told the individual could influence the awarding of NLC tenders.
The reported payments range from R3,000 (US$186) to R8,000 (US$495). The NLC stressed that suppliers do not need to pay individuals to obtain its contracts and said no person has the authority to guarantee a tender award.
The warning adds to wider concerns from South African gambling authorities about scams targeting people through fraudulent claims and deceptive offers.
Catering Tender Linked To Reported Approaches
The alleged activity concerns tender RFQ/2026/008/009, which sought a panel of catering service providers for the Commission. The procurement process covered food, beverages and related catering services for meetings, conferences, workshops and other official events.
The NLC said the reported approaches involved claims that payment could secure contracts connected with its tender process. It has urged bidders to reject requests for money made in return for assurances of a successful award.
The Commission has reiterated that its tenders are not available for purchase and that legitimate bidders should follow the established procurement process rather than deal with individuals claiming to have influence over tender decisions.
The alert follows a separate warning issued by the National Gambling Board (NGB) in June ahead of the 2026 Soccer World Cup. The NGB said major sporting events can increase opportunities for criminals to use scam websites, fraudulent betting applications and misleading promotions to target consumers.
The gambling regulator also warned that scammers may imitate licensed bookmakers by copying names, logos and other branding. In reported cases, victims can be shown inflated account balances or fake winnings before being asked to make further payments when they attempt to withdraw funds.
While the NGB warning concerned betting-related scams and the latest NLC alert concerns procurement, both highlight the risks created when individuals falsely present themselves as legitimate representatives or claim they can provide guaranteed outcomes in exchange for money.
NLC Asks Bidders To Preserve Evidence
Suppliers who receive approaches from Baloi or the telephone number identified by the Commission have been advised to retain relevant material. This includes text messages, correspondence and other communications connected with the alleged requests for payment.
The NLC has asked affected individuals to provide that information through its official channels for reporting suspected fraud. Its fraud-reporting contacts are 0800 212 129, SMS 30916 and [email protected].
The Commission’s alert focuses on preventing bidders from handing over money based on claims that a contract can be guaranteed. It has again stated that no individual has authority to promise that a particular supplier will receive an NLC tender.
The NLC has urged prospective suppliers to reject payment demands and report suspected fraud while retaining evidence of any alleged approaches.
Source:
“Scam Alert: NLC Bidders”, facebook.com “National Lotteries Commission”, August 25, 2026
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