1. A school funds fraud scheme was highlighted in Budget Management Minute 0005/2005 dated 26 October 2005. Your attention is now drawn to a similar fraud scheme currently being conducted by fraudsters. Two schools have already fallen victim to these fraudulent acts and you may be approached in the following manner:
1.1 A fraudulent payment would be made into the school's account.
1.2 The fraudster would then call the school, pose as a representative of a government organisation, claiming that an erroneous payment was made into the schools banking account and then request the money be repaid immediately.
2. Schools are urgently requested, should they receive a similar telephone call, to take note of the following:
2.1 Treat any request for a refund with utmost suspicion.
2.2 The common denominator for this crime is a fraudulent cheque deposit often accompanied by an internet generated note as proof. Speak to your bank to ascertain the validity of the deposit.
2.3 Wait for the normal clearing periods before considering refunds on any cheque deposit.
2.4 Any deposit into the schools account should enjoy thorough investigation before any refunds are considered.
2.5 Do not be pressurised into making refunds by entities such as: SARS, Telkom, Eskom, etc.
3. Kindly bring the contents of this minute to the attention of all concerned.
4. Your cooperation is appreciated.


SIGNED: EJ MEYER
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2008:03:11