It is time to think of heading for warmer climes, it is time to think of being merry, and it is also time to be wary.
Every year we see an increase in fraudulent activity, especially through the internet. Here¹s a message an obvious scam I received recently:
"Dear,
I am Ms. Sarah Kadeline; I am a deaf the only daughter of late John Kadeline, my father died in mysterious circumstances in which I believed that he was poisoned by his business associates.
After his burial I discovered a document covering (USD 15.5 M) which he deposited in a Finance company here in Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire.I have verified the deposit with the Finance company and its authenticity is clear. I am soliciting for your kind assistance in the transfer of this fund from the Finance company here to your country for investment.
You will also serve as the guardian to this fund as I¹m not at all knowledgeable in the international business world. I will give you further details as soon as I hear from you and we will discuss terms and percentage subsequently but you must treat it highly confidential.I wait for your response.
Regards
Ms Saral Kadeline"
If you receive an email from a source pretending to be your bank, an official of the FBI, an officer of the United Nations, or a person or an institution you are not familiar with, don't open it. Banks, the FBI, and government officials will not be communicating with you by email. Your best protection against internet fraud is the "delete" key on your computer keyboard.
Another area of concern is annuities which do not fit the consumer¹s need. Scamsters are tempted to sell annuities which are improper, because of high commissions paid.
Annuities are marvelous tools we use them regularly in Medicaid planning, for example, to convert countable assets into income streams and protect resources for the community spouse.
The annuities available today are extraordinarily complex financial instruments, with provisions unheard of a few years ago. If you are going to buy an annuity, make sure that it fits your situation. Consult a trusted insurance advisor or attorney who understands the product and your needs.
