There’s another electronic scam out there in cyber space – this time addressed to shipping companies that use electronic funds transfer (EFT) to pay their dues to SA Revenue Service (Sars) customs. This new form of “Nigerian letter” was brought to FTW’s attention by Dave Watts, maritime industry adviser to the SA Association of Freight Forwarders (Saaff). He, in turn, had received a warning about the scam direct from the office of senior customs management at Durban harbour. “Please could you ensure all our clients are warned that this is a scam,” read the e-mail which he had received from customs. “And it’s a very impressive piece of paperwork,” Watts added, “which could very easily fool any inexperienced accounts staff in the company that has received it. “All done on what appears to be a Sars letterhead, and pretty convincing in its choice of words and grammar.” But, fortunately, it didn’t fool the Sars department of finance in Durban – and they sent out a firm warning to all their client companies and industry bodies about the scam. So, if you receive such an e-mail or letter, either ignore it and chuck it into the waste bin, or – if you’re uncertain v physically check it directly with your local Sars customs office. DON’T BE FOOLED.
