PLAYERS: Most often black males. Two or more suspects involved.

VICTIMS: Mostly black males and females.

CONTACT: The con approaches the intended mark claiming that he has just arrived from South Africa. He has just inherited a large sum of money but cannot, per African law, return with this inheritance. He then displays a piece of paper or a letter validating both his inheritance and the African laws, which forbid his return with the money.

CON: The con tells the mark that he wants to donate his inheritance to charity but lacks the time to research worthy organizations. He then suggests that the victim take possession of the money and donate it to a charity of his or her choosing. Another variation involves the mark sending small portions of this money to the South African citizen in return for a sizable fee. In either case, the marks are asked to prove that they have enough money of their own and won't be tempted to use the inheritance. From this point on, the scam is identical to a pigeon drop and the victim is left holding a package that contains nothing but blank paper.

FraudTech