The South African Representative Office to the Palestinian National Authority would like to draw the attention of and advice the Palestinian public concerning a scam report involving fraudulent emails allegedly originated from several countries. This email scam is commonly known as the 419 scam.

The scam is initiated with the fraudster using emails as means of communication. A business proposal is made in the letter, usually by an African based syndicate posing as senior government officials. They 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 their country, which is that of the targeted person. A plausible explanation is usually given for the transfer, although they basically appeal to the intended victim's greed.

The person receiving the letter is generally promised a sizable percentage, between 20 and 35 percent, of the money transferred, as a commission, for the use of the bank account.

If the intended victim is interested in the deal, they are requested to forward a variety of paperwork which generally includes blank company letterheads which are duly signed, blank invoices, telephone and fax numbers, and especially bank account details. This information is required to realize the transfer of the money into the bank account.

The Representative Office further advises the public to ignore these fabricated announcements and not to submit any information or amount to any party unless you have made one hundred percent sure that it is a legitimate, bona fide business proposition from an authentic organization 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 (SAPS) 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.

If you need any further information please consult:

• The South African Police Services’ website at www.saps.org.za under “crime prevention” and “specific crimes”.

• The website of the only legally registered lottery in South Africa, the National Lottery, at http://salottery.co.za/ie/scam.asp  

• The website of “419 Legal”http://www.419Legal.org  which is owned and managed by the Johannesburg Commercial Branch of the South African Police Services. The website publicizes methods used by scammers to defraud internet users.