The Mission would like to advise business and private individuals in the UAE to be extremely cautious when informed by fax, mail or e-mail that they stand to receive a large sum of money either through a “business proposal” or having won a national lottery.

Such schemes form part of a so-called “419 advance fraud scam”. Although these schemes originate from Nigeria, syndicates in other countries have become involved.

OPERATION OF THE SCHEME
The fraudsters, often posing as senior government officials, claim that they are in possession of a large amount of over-budgeted money, usually American dollars. The proposal entails the transfer of the over-budgeted money to a bank account outside of the country where the scam originates, which is that of the targeted individual or company. The person receiving the letter/fax is generally offered a reward of between 20 to 35 percent in return for help in smuggling the money out of the country. The person may alternatively be informed that he/she has been selected as winner of a large sum of money in an “internet” lottery.

These types of letters are an “Advance Fee Fraud”, or more commonly known as “419-Letter scams”. They are definitely not distributed by South African Government officials or banking officials. In many instances the fraudsters are not even operating from within South Africa, but are distributing the correspondence from other countries. If the intended victim is interested in the deal, he/she are requested to make certain payments to help cover expenses for completing the deal. Once the original fee has been paid, “complications” usually arise which require the payment of more fees.

CHARACTERISTICS
Although 419 Letter scams can take many forms, certain common characteristics do exist that should alert the recipient:

• There is a sense of urgency to the matter
• Total confidentiality is an absolute requirement
• The unsolicited letters/faxes/ e-mails reaches the recipient unexpectedly
• A large sum of money is involved
• The letters are very convincing
• The names and logos of official government departments and banks are abused

WHAT TO DO
You are advised not to respond to these unsolicited letters, faxes or e-mails, unless you have made one hundred percent sure that it is a legitimate, bona fide business proposition from an authentic organisation or institution.

Should you receive a 419 scam letter, the following information should be forwarded to Superintendent A. van de Venter of the Commercial Crime Unit of the South African Police Service at email vdventera@saps.org.za , tel. 0027-12-309 3866 or fax. 0027-12-309 3004/5:

• A copy of the “419” correspondence.
• Banking data (if applicable).
• Indicate whether there has been a “loss” or “no loss”.
• If there is a South African connection to the “419” operation, state all-relevant details.
• Contact details and telephone number(s) of the individual affected.

FURTHER INFORMATION
For any additional information pertaining to these scams, please consult:

• The South African Police Services’ website at www.saps.gov.za under “crime prevention” > “commercial crime” > "4-1-9 Scam".
• The website of the only legally registered lottery in South Africa, the National Lottery, at www.salottery.co.za
• The website of “419 Legal” www.419Legal.org which is owned and managed by the Johannesburg Commercial Branch of the South African Police Services. The website publicises methods used by scammers to defraud internet users.

Please do not contact the South African Mission directly regarding this type of fraud. It is not necessary to forward it to us. We have seen hundreds of these letters and simply do not have the capacity or staff available to deal with public enquiries on the matter.