Back to Over-Invoiced Contract Funds Transfer Scam

This is a version of Over-Invoiced Contract Funds Transfer Scam.

Eskom $25 Million Over-Invoiced Contract Funds Email

This email claims to come from “Mr. Clinton Thabo,” who says he is the personal attorney of Eskom executive Calib Cassim. It says a foreign contractor was paid and left behind an “over-invoice / over-estimated” amount of USD$25 million in a bank. The recipient is invited to help move the money into business opportunities in their country and is asked to reply with a phone number and the percentage they want. This is a classic advance-fee setup disguised as an insider business deal.

Eskom $25 Million Over-Invoiced Contract Funds Email | Screenshot

What’s different in this version

These traits set this message apart from the usual pattern.

  1. Claims to be the personal attorney of a named Eskom executive to make the approach sound credible.

  2. Uses an over-invoiced contract story instead of a prize or inheritance story.

  3. Promises access to USD$25 million and frames it as a private business opportunity.

  4. Asks for your phone number and what percentage you want, which is a common first-step engagement tactic in advance-fee fraud.

  5. Uses free email accounts rather than an official law firm or company domain.

How this scam works

  1. 1

    Step 1: You get an unexpected email, message, or call about hidden contract funds, surplus payments, or money left behind after a completed deal.

  2. 2

    Step 2: The sender claims to be a lawyer, executive, accountant, or trusted insider and says they found you privately for a confidential opportunity.

  3. 3

    Step 3: You are promised a percentage of a very large amount if you help receive, transfer, or invest the money.

  4. 4

    Step 4: Once you engage, the scammer asks for personal details, bank information, copies of ID, or upfront fees for taxes, release charges, legal paperwork, or transfers.

  5. 5

    Step 5: If you comply, you may lose money, expose your identity, or be drawn into moving stolen funds.

✓ Do this

  • Be suspicious of any stranger offering you a share of hidden or unclaimed contract money.
  • Verify company names and executive names using official websites you find yourself.
  • Stop and talk to a trusted friend, family member, or bank before sending details or money.
  • Keep copies of the message and report it to your email provider and local fraud authority.

✗ Avoid this

  • Do not send bank details, passport copies, ID cards, or your home address to someone offering a secret payout.
  • Do not pay taxes, transfer fees, legal fees, or release charges to unlock promised funds.
  • Do not agree to receive or move money on someone else’s behalf.
  • Do not trust claims that a confidential deal with millions of dollars can begin through a free email account.

Verbatim excerpts from the scam

Exact lines from emails or messages—searchable text so you can compare wording.

  1. 1 Excerpt 1
    From: Mr. Clinton Thabo <bradleyreid94@hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 08:57:19 PM GMT+8 Subject: READ CAREFULLY READ CAREFULLY, My name is Clinton Thabo the personal attorney of Mr Calib Cassim the Chief Financial Officer / Acting CEO of Eskom Holdings Ltd. SA. I got your email from my personal search. He (Calib Cassim) has in his position an (over-invoice / over-estimated) contract amount executed by a Foreign Contractor through his Department, which the contractor has been paid and left the over-invoice / over-estimated amount of USD$25million with the Bank. So, the objective is to channel these funds into viable business opportunities within your country. Should you be interested, I would be glad to discuss the structure of the arrangement, including your role, and the terms. Please if you can handle this deal, please reply with your phone number and the percentage you want for more discussion Sincerely, Mr. Clinton Thabo clintonthabo10@gmail.com