Unsuspecting NGOs have become the victims of a new Xmas Gift scam. 

It has come to the attention of the National Lotteries Board that a certain Mr Greg Jacobs (cell number 078 517 8716) is contacting NGOs across the country informing them that the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) has awarded the NGO a Xmas gift of R50,000.00.

In order for the NGO to receive the gift, the NGOs bank details are to be provided. The next day Greg Jacobs calls the NGO to say that he erroneously transferred R64,200.00 and asks for the amount paid in excess to be returned.

On investigation, the NGO will find that R64,200.00 was paid into their account. It has been established that stolen cheques are being used to ‘deposit’ the funds. However, since there are no funds to honour the cheque, the unsuspecting NGO would be defrauded by paying back the surplus.

All applicants and NGOs applying for NLDTF funding are advised as follows:

• The Lotteries Act and related regulations do not allow for ‘gifts’ to be made to beneficiaries. The prescribed application process will always be followed.
• All banking details are provided on the application form and the NLB does not usually ask for these details again. Any verification will be done by the NLB directly with the financial institution concerned.
• All beneficiaries of NLDTF grants are advised in writing of their grants/allocations. Telephonic notices do not constitute an award.
• NGOs should not give out details of their banking accounts unless they have verified the source of the enquiry.
• Any NGO that has been contacted by Mr Greg Jacobs or anyone with a similar offer should contact the police directly as this is a criminal case.

The National Lotteries Board and the NLDTF wish to distance themselves from the scam and stress that it is the responsibility of the individual organisations to ensure that they do not become victims of the scam.

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