Want a loan? Not from Highgate Finance Corporation.

Here's a great offer. Maybe.

A reader received an email that seemed too good to be true.

Highgate Finance Corporation Pty Ltd

Get a loan from R10,000(Ten Thousand South Africa Rand) up to R10,000,000.00(Tem Million South Africa Rand) when ever you need it -at a fixed interest rate of 2.8% for your peace of mind.

Whether you need money for unexpected expenses,a medical crisis, to further your children's' education, home renovations, car loan, business loan or consolidate your accounts -* Highgate personal loan could be the ideal solution.

With Highgate Finance,you don't need to wait any longer for the loan you need!Apply right now in 2 easy steps-start by completing the short application form below and return by email or fax.You'll have a decision in maximum 24 hours and a cash lump sum could be in your account within just 48 hours!"

Short Application Form:
1.Full Names:
2.Contact Address:
3.Contact Office Tel No
4.Contact Cell No:
5.Occupations:
6 Monthly Income:
7.ID Number:
8.Marital Status

Yours In Services,
Wendy Williamson(Mrs),
High Gate Finance(Manager Operations.)
Contact No:+27739369807
Email . highgateloan1@aol.com

The clues are simple to spot.

Firstly, and most obviously, what sort of lender lends up to R10 million to total strangers without any hint of security? And at 2.8%?

Real money lenders, whether they're banks, orthodox micro-lenders or even hoodlums on street corners want some sort of security, either your home, your car or just your kneecaps. Real lenders have landline telephone numbers and proper email addresses.

Real lenders can punctuate correctly.

Finally real lenders are actually registered companies, something "Highgate Finance Corporation Pty Ltd" seems to have neglected.