It involves scam artists - often masquerading as corrupt officials or sons and daughters of dead dictators - offering people via e-mail or faxes shares in hidden fortunes in exchange for simple administrative assistance.

BBC: NEWS | Africa | Bank scam trial opens in Nigeria

Khala Aldadou, a 55-year-old housewife, was shot dead while walking home from a funeral, leaving behind two sons and two daughters.

WSJ: Armed With Phone, and Dangerous to Syria