The 419 scam goes South African

[Dave A]

A scam that has been around for ages, originally associated with Nigeria and known as the 419 scam, has developed a South African flavour.

I received this today:

> Subject: RE:Partnership Investment
>
>
>> Mr George Phillips
>> DEPARTMENT OF MINERALS AND ENERGY,
>> PRETORIA , SOUTH
>> AFRICA.
>> Private fax N0:+27 –865-172839.
>>
>> ATTN: SIR / MADAM
>>
>> CONFIDENTIAL & URGENT
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> It is my great pleasure to write you this letter on behalf of my
>> colleagues.
>> Your information was given to me by a member of the South African Export
>> Promotion Council (SAEPC) who was with the
>> Government delegation on a trip to your country for a bilateral
>> conference talk to encourage foreign investors.
>> I have decided to seek a confidential co-operation with you in the
>> execution of the deal hereunder for the benefit of all parties and
>> hope you will keep it confidential because of the nature of this
>> business.
>>
>> Within the Department of Minerals & Energy where I work as a Director of
>> Audit and Project Implementation and with the co-operation
>> of two other top officials, we have in our possession an overdue payment
>> in US funds.
>> The said funds represent certain percentage of the total contract value
>> executed on behalf of my Department by a foreign contracting
>> firm, which we the officials over-invoiced to the amount of
>> £26.500,000.00 (Twenty-Six
>> Million Five Hundred Thousand British Pounds Sterling.). Though the
>> actual contract cost has been paid to the original contractor,
>> leaving the excess balance unclaimed.
>>
>> Since the present elected Government is determined to pay foreign
>> contractors all debts owed, so as to maintain good relationship
>> with foreign governments and non-government agencies, we included our
>> bills for approvals with the Department of Finance and the
>> South Africa Reserve Bank (SARB).
>> We are seeking your assistance to front as beneficiary of the unclaimed
>> funds, since we are not allowed to operate foreign accounts.
>>
>> Details and change of beneficiary information upon application for claim
>> to reflect payment and approvals will be secured on behalf of
>> you/your Company. I have the authority of my partners involved to propose
>> that should you be willing to assist us in this transaction
>> your share as compensation will be £6.625m (Twenty-five percent), while
>> my colleagues and I receive £17.225m (Sixty-five percent) and the balance
>> of £2.650m (Ten percent) for taxation and miscellaneous
>> expenses incurred.
>>
>> The business is completely safe and secure, provided you treat it with
>> utmost confidentiality. It does not matter whether you/your
>> Company does contract projects, as a transfer of powers will be secured
>> in favour of you/your Company.
>>
>> Also, your area of specialization is not a hindrance to the successful
>> execution of this transaction.
>> I have reposed my confidence in you and hope that you will not disappoint
>> us.
>>
>> Thanks for your co-operation.
>> Regards,
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Dr Jacob oti.
>>
>> N.B
>> Please email your confidential Telephone and Fax number to enable me
>> contact
>> you for further clarifications.