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A new 2010 scam believed to be targeting overseas businesses has been uncovered by an American businessman who was himself nearly conned out of several thousand US dollars.

Ron Koning, chief executive of Global Software Applications, an IT installation company in Pennsylvania, was contacted months ago by a man claiming to be Irvin Khoza, chairperson of the local organising committee, to provide 500 indoor directional (way finding) touch-screen kiosks for the event.

Towards the end of May, Koning was apparently asked by the man to draw up a proposal for a multimillion-dollar World Cup contract, including costs, which he did.

Two weeks later, on June 8, after submitting the nine-page proposal, Koning received an email claiming he had been awarded the $5.2-million (about R41.5-million) contract, and that he should submit his banking details for payment.

The email asked him to deposit $5 000 into the organising committee's bank account.

The approval certificate, which is in the possession of the Cape Argus, has the 2010 Fifa World Cup logo and the country's official coat of arms as the letterhead, as well as the signatures of both Khoza and LOC chief executive Danny Jordaan. But the committee denies having had any communication with Koning, labelling the "contract" a scam.

After the Cape Argus alerted the committee, LOC media manager Rich Mkhondo said a full investigation would be launched. He said the organisation followed the proper procurement procedures - through its procurement committee - and that Khoza "would never" get involved in any procurement processes.

"We will investigate this matter and send the documents to our legal and procurement departments," said Mkhondo.

"We would also like to warn people not to reply to these scams. All our tenders will be made public for people to apply. We will not approach any businesses."

Koning became wary of the multimillion-dollar contract when "Khoza's banker" requested his banking details and other personal information.

"I had been communicating for a while with whom I thought was Dr Irvin Khoza," said Koning.

"He was inquiring for kiosks at the stadiums for operation during the 2010 Fifa World Cup in your beautiful country. I was awarded the contract, then I got a very suspicious email from his 'banker', which made me relook."

Koning said he was elated when he discovered his company won the tender.

"I told everyone, from my parents, friends and even business partners," he said. "This was big news around town. I am very disappointed and have emailed Fifa and the organising committee, but have still not received any response."

The approval certificate says: "Final contract approval is hereby given this day the 8th June, 2009 and granted to Messrs: Global Software Applications/Surfer Quest, LLC by the South Africa World Cup organising Tender Board committee."

"The beneficiary company is hereby entitled to a fixed sum of US$5 249 500.00"

Fifa spokesperson Delia Fischer urged the public to report any such scams.

(Source: IOL.co.za)