Q: How long does it take to process a visa?

A: Five working days

Q: Do I need a Transit Visa?

A:If you are a non South African visa exempt passport holder who is in transit in the Republic of South Africa enroute (by air, road or rail) to a country that shares a border with the Republic (Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe) must apply to be issued with a visa at a South African Mission abroad, before proceeding to the Republic of South Africa. Please note that all foreigners who are in transit and in possession of a valid ticket for a connecting flight to any other country (excluding Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe) are not required to apply for a transit visa to make use of transit facilities at an international airport in the Republic of South Africa.

Q: What is the purpose of the expiry date on the visa and how must the period of validity of the visitor's permit be calculated?

A: The expiry date on the visa states within which period the foreigner must enter the Republic. Upon admission the visa is deemed to be a visitor's permit. The endorsement on the visa determines for which period the visitor's permit will be valid, e.g. "To be admitted for a period of 30 days". The calculation for the expiry date of the permit is made from the date of entry. The actual expiry date is not endorsed on the permit.

Q: Do Japanese passport holders require a Visa for South Africa?

A: Japanese Passport holders do not require a Visa to visit South Africa for ninety (90) days for holiday / business purposes. Requirements for visitors who do NOT need a Visa (Port of Entry): For a visit of 90 (ninety) days or less in respect of tourism or business A valid Passport for at least 30 days after the expiry of the intended visit At least 2 empty pages in the Passport (for endorsements at the Port of Entry) Valid return-ticket

Q: I am working in the entertainment industry, e.g. film producer, model, photographer and involved in the shooting of a film in the RSA. Do I need a visa?

A:Any person who intends to practice his / her profession in the RSA for a period not exceeding six months require authorization in terms of section 11(2) of the Act to do so on his / her visitor's permit Should he / she be exempt from visa control he / she may proceed to the port of entry with letters from the agency / company locally / abroad confirming the foreigners' full particulars, purpose & period of visit and designation. The Immigration Officer will then issue the visitor's permit with the authorization at the port of entry. The permit will be valid for the period of the exemption (30 /90 days) and may be extended once for another 90 days. Should the foreigner be subject to visa control he / she must apply for a visa and the authorization to work on the visitor's permit at a South African Representative abroad. Should it be approved the foreigner will be issued with a visa with the authorization to work endorsed on it and will be allowed to stay for a maximum period of 90 days and may apply once for an extension of 90 days. For a visit that will exceed six months the foreigner must apply for a work permit.

Q: How can I get a refund of my cash deposit

A : A cash deposit shall be refunded on receipt of the following documents: original passport to confirm the holder's final departure from the Republic of South Africa, or whether a permanent residence permit was issued to the holder; original receipt, issued by our office or by a regional office of the Department of Home Affairs, if applicable, in respect of the payment of the cash deposit (Please note that under no circumstances, will a cash deposit be refunded, should this original receipt be lost); letter confirming the details of applicant's bank account and contact details; and

Q: How can I pay my administrative fine for an overstay

A: The following documents should be submitted to our office in respect of each person, who has received an administrative fine for an overstay: original passport to enter the endorsement that the administrative fine was paid; original form BI-1731 regarding the administrative fine that was issued to the foreigner on departure from the Republic of South Africa; payment. ADMINISTRATIVE FINES IN TERMS OF SECTION 50(1) OF IMMIGRATION ACT 13 OF 2002 Explanation: Any foreigner who leaves South Africa after the expiry of his or her permit shall be liable to an administrative fine of a prescribed amount not exceeding R3000 (Three Thousand Rands). Regulation 35 (1) The administrative fine contemplated in section 50 (1) of the Act shall be: R1000 in respect of a foreigner who leaves the Republic more than five days, but less than 30 days, after the expiry of his or her permit; R1500 in respect of a foreigner who leaves the Republic more than 30 days, but less than three months, after the expiry of his or her permit and R3000 in respect of a foreigner who leave the Republic more than three months after expiry of his or her permit. An official shall therefore impose the fine as prescribed. Failure to pay the prescribed fine will mean that a foreigner will not be admitted to South Africa, or be issued with a Visa or Permit if already admitted, a permit shall not be issued or renewed nor a subsequent permit issued. The obligation of all foreigners is clearly defined in terms of Section 43 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, which reads: Obligation of foreigners Section 43 of the Act: A foreigner shall: abide by the terms and conditions of his or her status, including any terms and conditions attached to the relevant permit by the Department upon its issuance, extension or renewal; and depart upon expiry of his or her status. Payment of Fine A foreigner who has already been issued with a fine may pay the fine through the South African Embassy in Tokyo. The administration fine can only be paid in Yen if paid through our Mission.

Q: What type of return postage system does the Embassy use?

A: For all applications originating from within Japan : If you would like your Passport / Visa returned to you via post then please include a self addressed “LETTERPACK500” envelope with your application. LETTERPACK500 can be purchased from the Post Office and costs Yen 500.

Q: Can the Embassy act as a Commissioner of Oaths?

A: Yes. The person needs to sign in the presence of the Commissioner therefore no postal requests can be accepted.

Q: What are the requirements for a foreigner to get married in South Africa?

A: All persons getting married in South Africa are subject to the legislation of the Marriage Act, 1961 (Act 25 of 1961) which does not differentiate between South African citizens and aliens with regard to the solemnization of a marriage in the Republic of South Africa.  Intending bridal couples should in all cases consult the marriage officer in South Africa who is to perform the ceremony to ensure compliance with the prescribed formalities. Under the South African Law a marriage is prohibited under the following conditions: Persons who are already married.  An existing marriage can only be terminated through death or by a competent court of law. Minors. A minor may not enter into marriage unless the marriage officer is in possession of a written consent from both parents or the guardian. Persons without contractual capacity. This refers to majors who are suffering from mental disorders. A person who is insane, may, however, contract a valid marriage if it can be proven that the person is lucid and in full possession of his faculties when concluding the contract. Prohibited degrees of relationships as indicated below: the forebear or a descendant of the husband/wife Marriage should take place in accordance with South African law.  Should the couple wish to get married in terms of a specific contract, they should approach a South African attorney beforehand to draw up the contract.  If such contract is not produced to the marriage officer then the marriage will be registered as "In community of Property". The following are the noted general requirements for getting married in South Africa. Once again it is suggested that intending bridal couples should consult the marriage officer in South Africa who is to perform the ceremony to ensure compliance with the prescribed formalities 2 valid means of identification; one must be a photo ID & Passport Proof of marital status from country of citizenship A notarized declaration by the party concerned to the effect that the person is not aware of any lawful impediment to the proposed marriage There is no residency requirement for foreign nationals There is no blood testing requirement Please contact the nearest Home Affairs Regional Office to make an appointment date for the marriage to take place or if the marriage will take place in a church then the Minister of that church should be contacted to make an appointment for the ceremony.

Q: What can I bring into South Africa?

A: Duty Free Allowances - South African customs passenger allowances entitle you to bring new or used goods of up to R3 000 in value into the country without paying any duty. For additional goods, new or used, of up to R12 000 in value, you will be charged a flat rate 20% duty. Thereafter, normal customs duties apply. You can also bring in, duty-free, the following: Wine - up to 2 litres per person. Spirits and other alcoholic beverages - up to 1 litre in total per person. Cigarettes - up to 200 per person. Cigars - up to 20 per person. Cigarette or pipe tobacco - up to 250g per person. Perfume - up to 50ml per person. Eau de toilette (scented liquid lighter than cologne) - up to 250ml per person. Note:  The alcohol and tobacco allowances only apply to people over 18.

Q: What restrictions are there on sending gift parcels by post to South Africa?

A: Bona fide unsolicited free gifts of not more than two parcels per calendar year, and of which the value per parcel does not exceed R400, 00 (excluding goods contained in passenger's baggage, wine, spirits and manufacture tobacco (including cigarettes and cigars) may be sent by a natural person abroad to a natural person in the Republic. The only form required to be completed by the sender of the parcel is the prescribed label obtained from any Post Office. An indication as to the value is to be furnished and the label should be marked unsolicited free gift if such is the case. No import permit is required if the free on board value does not exceed R400, 00. A nominal fee is levied by the South African Post Office. Customs Duties The duties payable on goods depend on the proper classification thereof, in the Customs tariff. When the importation of goods is subject to payment of duties such duties must be paid before the goods will be released from Customs control. Please note that all duties and rates are subject to amendment without prior notice. Schedules to the Customs and Excise Acts (Tariff Books) Schedules 1 to 6 of the Customs and Excise Act, 91 of 1964 The electronic version of Schedules 1 to 6 was developed to provide clients and Customs officers with easy access to the said schedules with the relevant duties and levies applicable to all imported, exported and local manufactured goods in the Republic. http://www.sars.gov.za/home.asp You may also wish to contact SARS Customs: Commercial Services, e-mail: plupuwana@sars.gov.za Fax: + 27 12 422 6903 Tel: +27 12 422 6988 Goods Imported as Accompanied Passengers' Baggage Either by non-residents or residents of the Republic and cleared at the place where such persons disembark or enter the Republic, other than personal effects and sporting or recreational equipment: Allocated amounts of Duty Free goods may be imported without payment of duty. Other new or used goods, excluding firearms, of a total value not exceeding R1,250 per person may be imported without payment of duty. Additional goods, new or used, excluding firearms, of a total value not exceeding R10,000, per person, (excluding goods of a class specified in paragraph (i). Provided the total value of the goods declared under this item does not exceed R10,000 the passenger may elect to pay the flat rate of 20% duty. Where a passenger import goods in excess of the total value mentioned, the flat rate of duty falls away and the full duty becomes payable. The rebate of duty specified in paragraphs 2.0 (a) (ii) shall only be allowed once per person during a period of 330 days and shall not apply to goods imported: by persons travelling only between places in the Republic; by persons returning after an absence of less than 48 hours. The rebate mentioned may, with the exception of that in respect of tobacco and alcoholic products be claimed by children under 18 years of age, whether or not they are accompanied by their parents or guardians. The above concessions are also subject to the following conditions: The goods imported must actually accompany the passenger on the same ship or aircraft or vehicle. Goods carried on behalf of third parties are subject to full duty and production of an import permit at the time of importation. The rebate of duty specified in paragraph 2.0 shall not apply to firearms acquired abroad or at any duty free shop and imported by residents of the Republic returning after an absence of less than 6 months. When required by an officer to do so, any person entering the Republic shall unreservedly declare all goods in his possession which he brought with him into the Republic. Failing to do so or to declare prohibited or restricted goods may lead to the imposition of penalties, seizure of the goods and forfeiture of all concessions. Importation of Prohibited and Restricted Goods Passengers in possession of prohibited or restricted goods, e.g. meat, live animals, dangerous drugs, firearms, ammunitions and explosives, indecent or obscene books, photographs, films and other articles, agricultural products, any plants, seeds, bulbs, etc. must declare such goods. Live Animals, may only be imported against a permit issued by the Director, Division of Veterinary Services, Private Bag X138, Pretoria, 0001. Firearms and Ammunition, require police permits, but Customs Officers at South African ports of entry have authority to issue temporary permits which are valid for 180 days in the case of tourists visiting South Africa.  Temporary permits will not be issued in respect of firearms imported on behalf of other persons. With regards to people moving to South Africa on a temporary basis or otherwise, application for a license to possess a firearm must be made to the Officer Commanding, South African Police, in the immigrant's/returning South African's residential area before the firearm my be imported into South Africa. The importation of a firearm without a serial number, or other number by which it can be identified, stamped or engraved on the metal is prohibited. In respect of a returning resident or a person who enters the Republic for purposes of permanent residence or to remain temporarily therein, the importation will be subject to production of an import permit. Only after these procedures are completed, may the firearm be exported to South Africa. Honey or any products or preparation containing honey may not be imported at all. Plants, seeds, bulb etc. may only be imported against a permit issued by the Department of Agriculture and permits must be applied for prior to departure for the Republic, direct to the Division of Plant and Seed Control, Private Bag X179, Pretoria, 0001. A Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the Authority concerned in the country of export will also be required. Medicine, in the normal course of events, are prohibited by private individuals, but by way of a concession immigrants and tourists visiting the Republic may bring with them for their personal use a supply for a month provided they are in possession of a prescription for such medicine or a certificate from a chemist to the effect that the medicine was duly prescribed by a physician.. This does not apply to small amounts of patent medicines, e.g. aspirin, which are carried for own use. Bank Notes Persons entering the Republic may import Rand bank notes, in terms of the Exchange Control Regulations, but the amount is restricted to R5 000,00 per person. People travelling in/out of SA are allowed the maximum amount of currency is R5000,00 in SA Bank Notes per person. For more information please contact: The South African Reserve Bank Physical address : 370 Church Street, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa Postal address : P.O. Box 427, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa Entering South Africa: Customs Do’s and Don’ts Customs Do’s Select the green channel if you are sure that the goods in your possession fall within the duty free allowance, no goods are in your possession for commercial/trading purposes and no prohibited or restricted goods. Never carry bags through customs for someone else. MOTORISTS. If you are entering the Republic by vehicle, make sure that everyone travelling with you are aware of the customs declaration procedures applicable. REGISTER VALUABLES. Ensure that certain identifiable items such as jewellery, cameras, watches, etc., are registered at customs for re-importation. Customs don’ts Don't try to conceal any goods or mislead a customs officer. Anything, which is not correctly declared, may be detained or seized. Prohibited goods are not allowed under any circumstances whereas restricted goods may be imported under cover of a permit or certificate. CURRENCY CONTROL. S.A. Bank notes in excess of R5000,00 will not be allowed unless you are in possession of the necessary permit obtainable from the SA Reserve Bank. Your responsibilities when making baggage declarations When making baggage declarations, whether verbal or written, you must ensure that you declare ALL goods in your possession as well as their correct values. Failure to declare goods, the under declaration of values or the production of false receipts can lead to seizure of your goods and can result in criminal prosecution or the imposition of severe penalties of up to three times the value of the goods.

Police Clearance's are not processed by the Mission.

The South African Department of Foreign Affairs has been notified that applications for South African Police Clearances must be applied for directly with the South African Police Service (Criminal Records Centre) in Pretoria, South Africa.
If forwarded from abroad, the application may be forwarded via any reputable
courier company. The courier company must be PREPAID to collect the documents from the Criminal Record Centre and return the documents to the sender.
It is important to find out whether the requesting authority would need the police clearance certificate to be legalised. It will save time and money to submit the certificate to the Legalisation Section at the Department of International Relations and Co-operation  before it is returned to the applicant. Customers must specify this in their application to the Criminal Record Centre.
There is no specific application form but attached please find a form designed by the Department of Foreign Affairs for this purpose.

The following details are required:
a) Surname
b) Maiden name (if applicable, also specify in which surname the certificate
should to be issued).
c) Given names
d) Date of birth
e) Place of birth
f) South African ID number (if applicable)
g) Last residential address in South Africa
h) Last SA business / employer's address
i) Telephone number of the above (h)
j) Date
k) Signature
l) Mailing address in the country of application
m) Zip/Postal Code
n) Telephone number
An application is made by sending the above information, together with a full set of fingerprints, to the Criminal Record Centre. Fingerprints are done by your closest Police Station or nearest South African Representative, if you are abroad. The application must be accompanied by a copy of the applicants Identity Document or Passport and a self-addressed and franked envelope if you want the application to be returned to you by post.

The applicant may deliver the completed application in person or mail the application to;

The Head of the South African Criminal Record Centre
(For attention: Police Clearance Certificates)
Private Bag X308
PRETORIA
Gauteng
South Africa
0001

The application may also be delivered by courier to;
The Head of the South African Criminal Record Centre
(For attention: Police Clearance Certificates)
Sanlam Plaza West
CRC Client Service Centre
1st Floor, Room 14
271 Schoeman Street
PRETORIA
Office Hours 7:30 - 16:00 (Monday - Friday)

Cost: This service is rendered at R59-00 per application payable by bank guaranteed cheques, bankers draft or electronic payment into the South Africa Police Service account
(ABSA cheque account number 4054522787; Branch code 632005 ) in the favour of the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service. In the case of an electronic payment the initials and surname of the applicant should be indicated as the reference. The letters PCC must be added as reference, which will indicate that the payment is for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). An applicant who prefers to make an electronic payment abroad can approach any Bank who can make a telegraphic transfer and request that the relevant fees be paid into above mentioned Bank account. Proof of payment must be sent to this office before the processing of the application will take place.
On completion, the certificate will be mailed to the applicant by post. Individuals abroad are responsible for their own postage. Applicants can arrange for the certificate to be collected via courier service at their own expense. A Police Clearance Certificate can be reissued within six months of the original application yet an additional cost of R59-00 will be required. After six months of the date of the original application a new application must be submitted.

Contact information: Tel South Africa (012) 393 3928
Tel International: 27 12 393 3928
Fax number South Africa (012) 393 3909
Fax number International 27 12 393 3909
E-mail address: crc-nameclear@saps.org.za

Type: This service is rendered on behalf of the Government to Citizen (G2C)

Service Standard: The average time to render this service will take approximatelytwenty one (21) working days from the day that the complete application is received at the Pretoria Criminal Record Centre until the Clearance Certificate is issued.
Forms
SAPS 91 (a)  Fingerprint form is available at the Mission

Japanese Police Clearance Certificate
For details on how to apply for a Japanese Police clearance Certificate the following external link has been provided for your information:
http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/

The Directorate Veterinary Services, Sub-Directorate Import Export Control in Pretoria will be able to assist you should any further information be required.

Contact persons:
Mrs Ina Labuschagne                             27 (0) 12 319 7514
Ms Celia Maluleke                                 27 (0) 12 319 7475
Ms Gertrude Mathebula(Fax room)         27 (0) 319 7414/7633
27 (0) 12 319 7632
27 (0) 12 319 7503
27 (0) 12 319 7406

The Director: Veterinary Services
Import Export Policy Unit
Private Bag X138
PRETORIA
0001
SOUTH AFRICA

OR fax to:                     +27 (0) 12 329 8292

In cases where quarantine of animals is required, the importer must contact the Quarantine Officer at the port of entry:

Johannesburg   Tel  +27 (0) 11 973 2827 or         Fax  +27 (0) 11 973 2828
Durban             Tel +27 (0) 31 368 6011              or         Fax  +27 (0) 31 337 7469
Cape Town        Tel  +27 (0) 21 551 2050 or         Fax +27 (0) 21 551 1378

Points to Remember:
A valid rabies certificate obtained at least 30 days prior to your departure. This certificate should not have been obtained more than 12 months or less than 30 days prior to exporting. The vaccine used must be a strain of anti-rabies conforming to a potency standard recognized by the World Health Organization.
Please note that it is a condition of the import permit that dogs/cats imported into South Africa should be booked as "manifested cargo" and NOT as "excess baggage".
Livestock enters South Africa as manifested cargo in the temperature-controlled hold of the aircraft. Cabin stowage is not permitted. Dogs and cats must be older than 8 weeks.
As available space could be a problem you are advised to book well in advance when transporting pets.
Contact the Airline you are using to find out what their specific requirements are.
For more information:  www.nda.agric.za/vetweb

Importing / Exporting Animals to or from Japan
Procedures to bring animals into Japan or export animals from Japan can be found by accessing the following external link:

http://www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/im_index.html

Importation of Second-hand Motor Vehicles

Application for a permit to import a second-hand or used vehicle
If you want to import second-hand or used vehicles to South Africa, you need special permission from the Ministry of Trade and Industry or its agents. The Ministry will decide if it is in the best interests of the public for the second-hand or used vehicles to be imported.
You must submit the prescribed application form to apply for import permits. Import permits are needed for all goods that are subject to import control measures.
Import permits are required to ensure that imported second-hand goods do not destroy the industry of the South African Customs Union (SACU). This service enhances control for safety and quality compliance reasons.

For more information go to the International Trade Administration Commission.

Steps to follow:

• Complete the application form: IE 462
• Supply the Department with a certified copy of your identity document.
• Supply the Department with a certified copy of the vehicle’s registration certificate.
• Submit the form to the Directorate: Import and Export Control of the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC).

Contact Details: International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC).
Physical Address: 77 Meintjies Street, Block E, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0001
Postal Address: Private Bag X753, Pretoria, 0001
Tel: 0861 843 384
Web Site: www.itac.org.za
NOTE: ALL IMPORTED VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO THE ISSUING OF A LETTER OF AUTHORITY BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN BUREAU OF STANDARDS

Link for Letter of Authority:

SABS
South African Bureau of Standards
Private Bag X191
Pretoria
0001
Tel : + 27 12 428 6276
Fax : + 27 12 428 6565

The import duties on motor vehicles are at present as follows:

• Customs duty: 40%
• Ad-Valorem Customs duty: on a sliding scale with a maximum of 20%

 

Introduction:

Due to the number of Nigerian 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 Letter Scam is intrinsically an advance fee fraud. The fraud is also known as the 419 scam, as the fraud is outlined in Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code. A fraudster, usually a member of a criminal syndicate who obtains money or goods from a company or its representative, through deception, operates the scheme.

The operation of the scheme:

The scam is initiated with the fraudster contacting a targeted company, either by fax or mail. A business proposal is made in the letter or fax, usually by a Nigerian based syndicate posing as senior government officials. They claim that they are in possession of a large amount of over-budgeted money, usually American dollars. The proposal entails the transfer of the over-budgeted money to a bank account outside of Nigeria, which is that of the targeted company. A plausible explanation is usually given for the transfer, although they basically appeal to the intended victim’s greed. The person receiving the letter or fax is generally promised a sizable percentage, between 20 and 35 percent, of the money transferred, as a commission, for the use of the bank account.
If the intended victim is interested in the deal, they are 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 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 Nigeria.
• Once the original fee has been paid, “complications” may arise which necessitate the payment of more fees.
• Organising a meeting in a specific country and once the victim is in that country his/ her passport is confiscated and he/she 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 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 Nigerian letters. 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 a particular Government or the Central Bank of a particular country.
• There may be a need to travel to Nigeria or one of its neighbouring countries.
• 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.

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 that goods or service 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 dialling code. From the information to 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 necessary research regarding any scheme and to familiarize themselves with the legalities of South African Law, before they endeavour to partake in any scheme of this nature.
Further to be very careful when and to whom they disclose their bank details, because a risk might be involved.
Generally speaking the dilemma exists that victims who has fallen prey to schemes are reluctant to approach the SA Police Service for help afterwards, because they have participated in illegal activities.

How to Deal with Scams
What to do if you receive a Scam/ 419 email or letter

• Upon receiving a scam letter, all documentation, information and correspondence should be forwarded to Interpol. Interpol will liaise with the Commercial Crime Unit of the South African Police Service regarding all scam matters. Interpol's contact details are as follows:

Tel No: (+27) 12 309 3866
Fax No: (+27) 12 309 3003/4
E-mail: vdventera@saps.org.za

• Please refrain from responding to these types of e-mails. Kindly forward all 419 scam e-mails/correspondence directly to hq.commercial@saps.org.za  (Commercial Branch, South African Police Service). Please mention whether or not you have incurred any financial loss. 
  
• South African citizens and residents.

State whether there has been "No Financial Loss" or "Financial Loss" on the documents received and forward them to Interpol.
Provide your contact details and telephone number(s) or of the individual(s) affected.

• Foreign citizens and residents:

Fax a copy of the "419" correspondence received to Superintendent Anso van Deventer or the South African Embassy (Consular Section) for onward transmission to the South African Police Service.

Furnish banking data (if applicable).

State whether there has been "No Financial Loss" or "Financial Loss".

If there is a South African connection to the "419" operation, state clearly all relevant details.

Provide your contact details and telephone number(s) or those of the individual(s) affected.

For more information:
E-mail address: hq.commercial@saps.org.za 

Kindly see disclaimer for terms of use of this information