The 419 scam goes South African

[duncan drennan]

Why is it always 27 million? Maybe it is a bit like sharks, it is ALWAYS a six metre great white

[Dave A]

Dave: I think its actually referred to as a "419 scam".

Thanks Sieg. I stand corrected. It seems I inflated the numbers although it seems I am not alone.

I did Google for "917 scam" before I made the post (my rusty memory scratch attempt) and the top results confirmed it as the Nigerian scam, so in a rush, off I went. I know it's numbered after the number of the piece of legislation that is supposed to outlaw the practice in Nigeria.

/drill into head: "419 scam 419 scam"

[Yvonne]

Our company received one of these e-mails today. Supposedly from the Bank of Scotland.
At one time there was an S.A.P. e-mail address which we were asked to forward these on to.
Anyone know of the address?

Thanks
Yvonne Symons

[Eugene]

About Nigerian 419 Fraud

Due to the number of fraudulent emails, faxes and sometimes postal letters, received around the world, it is necessary to make the general public aware of the problem so that they do not become victims of a possible scam.

The so-called Nigerian 419 Scam is intrinsically an advance fee fraud. The fraud is known as the 419 scam because it is outlined in Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code.

The fraudsters, are usually members of a criminal syndicate, who obtain money or goods from a company, its representatives or members of the public, through deception.

Operation of the scam
The scam is initiated with the fraudster contacting a targeted company or individual, either by email, fax or post. A business proposal is made by the scammers often posing as government or bank officials or in some other guise.

They often claim that they have access to a large amount of money, usually American dollars.

The proposal entails the transfer of the over-budgeted money to a bank account outside of their country, which is that of the targeted company or individual.

A plausible explanation is usually given for the transfer, although the fraudsters basically appeal to the intended victim's greed. The person receiving the email, fax or letter is generally promised a sizeable percentage of the money to be transferred, as a commission, for the use of their bank account.

If the intended victim is interested in the deal, they may be 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. These being required to affect the transfer of the money into the bank account.

How the money is obtained from victims
Asking the victim to deposit money into a specified bank account to help cover expenses for completing the deal, which may include paying bribes to other parties in the country where the scam has originated.

Once the original fee has been paid, "complications" often arise which necessitate the payment of more fees.

Organizing a meeting in another country and, once the victim has travelled to that country, his passport is confiscated and he is detained until sufficient payment is received.

Using the bank details and official letterheads to transfer money out of the victim's bank account and into an account under the control of the criminals.

Once the money is lost, an "official" may contact the victim on the pretext of helping the victim retrieve the lost money, which, in turn, also costs money.

One might think that it is inconceivable that a person could fall victim to such a questionable scheme. People have, however, fallen prey to the scheme to such an extent, that it has forced a number of countries to set up specific units to deal with this type of fraud. There are no reliable figures, which can be used to illustrate the extent of this scheme, as many of the victims do not report the incident due to the embarrassment that it may cause them.

Indicators of a possible scam
The letter will stress the urgency of the matter.

The confidential nature of the transaction is stressed.

Claims are made that the other parties are employed in, or have strong ties with Government or Bank officials.

There may be a need to travel to another country.

Many forged official-looking documents.

Blank letterheads, invoices and banking details are requested.

Additional fees are continuously requested in order to further the transaction.

Most letters will indicate that the transaction is 100% risk-free.

There will be an offer of a share of millions of, usually, US dollars.

Precautionary Measures
When one is considering entering into a business transaction with foreigners, the following precautionary measures can be taken which may help to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of an advance fee fraud:

Check the credentials of the person or business, for example with the relevant embassy, to see whether or not the person operates a legitimate business or that the business does exist.

Never provide the other party with blank letterheads or invoices.

Never pay anything in advance unless you are absolutely sure that goods or services are going to be delivered.

Ensure that your travel documents are in order.

Strategies - Anonymous Bank Accounts
It has come to the attention of the South African Police Service that a scheme is active in the Johannesburg area, whereby any person can open an anonymous bank account in a European country.

There is no reference to a company name that supplies this kind of a service except for a fax number with a Johannesburg dialing code. From the information at the SA Police Service's disposal, this kind of conduct constitutes a transgression in terms of the Exchange Control Regulations.
Prospective account holders are cautioned to do the necessary research regarding any scheme and to familiarize themselves with the legalities of South African Law, before they endeavor to partake in any scheme of this nature.

Further, be very careful when and to whom they disclose their bank details, because a risk may well be involved.

Generally speaking the dilemma exists that victims who have fallen prey to schemes are reluctant to approach the SA Police Service for help afterwards, because they have participated in illegal activities.

[Dave A]

Two Nigerian men were arrested and the Swedish man they allegedly kidnapped was rescue unharmed in Johannesburg, police said on Wednesday.

Kenth Sadaaki Suzuki was apparently lured to South Africa by a group of Nigerians after he fell for the so-called 419 scam, police spokesperson senior Superintendent Vishnu Naidoo said.

The victim was made to believe he would be part of an investment opportunity with a company known as Jeffdon Properties
full story from IOL here

[Dave A]

Another victim - but at least another arrest made.

Police arrested seven suspects in the early hours of Sunday morning in connection with the kidnapping of a Japanese businessman in a 419 scam.

The six men and a woman, aged between 28 and 34 years, were directly linked with the two 419 syndicate members arrested on Tuesday last week after kidnapping a Swedish national and attempting to extort ransom from his family, said Director Sally de Beer.

Six of the suspects were Nigerian citizens and one a South African.

In the latest incident, the Japanese national, Osamai Hitomi (47), was lured to the country under the false impression that he would be engaged in an investment opportunity with a company by the name of Jeffdon Properties.

"Once he arrived in the country on Friday September 26 and met with the syndicate members he was kidnapped and held hostage in a house in Alberton. His family was contacted and a ransom of $5-million was demanded," said De Beer.
full story from M&G here

It looks like Jeffdon Properties is going to be another keyword to watch out for in the hall of infamy.