New FBI scam going around.

If you ever received a letter from the FBI on official looking letter head with the director of the FBI on it wouldn’t you think it was real. Maybe not but scam artists rely on the odds. If they mail out a thousand letters they may get back two responses and thats all they need. On the FBI’s scams and warnings page they give examples of how they are being used to target victims. Some of them involve claims of lottery winnings or of large inheritance (they will ask you pay the taxes and fees upfront). They also use letters and emails to extort money from the recipient claiming to be official FBI business. Feel free to contact the FBI by submitting an online inquiry, or at their contact page. The site also has scam alerts and a list of things to watch out for.

Top 7 sign’s you’re getting scammed!

Here is a quick list of phrases you should watch out for:

1. You must act know!
2. You need to reset your passwords!
3. You owe back taxes!
4. You have won some money (variation is you have unclaimed money) !
5. You get a high yield return with no risk!
6. Do you know who this is?
7. You have to send your payment via money order or wire transfer!

For a more comprehensive list download our telemarketers cheat sheet. Great for high risk family members, laminate it and keep it close to the phone. Telemarketers cheat sheet

NASAA’s Senior Investor Resource Center

The North American Securities Administrators Association has the most thorough resource center on the web. In particular is their Investigation Form, if we could get this form out to everyone interested in investing, it could save consumers from a devastating financial blow. The form is laid out to ensure that all precaution’s are taken. Any reputable Investment firm will be happy to provide their potential customers with this information, as it is also in their best interest that investors ask for credentials. Here is a sample form,they also provide a printer friendly copy at their website NASAA.org

Seller/Agent Information
Seller/Agent Name:	______________________________________
Company/Business Name:	______________________________________
Company/Business Address:	______________________________________
Phone Number:	______________________________________
Today’s Date:	______________________________________

1. What products are you offering? (check all that apply)
Annuities	Securities
Living Trust	Estate Planning
Accounting	Other__________________________
2. Who regulates or licenses this product or service?
3. How does this product meet my investment objectives?
4. What are the risks?
5. What written information will I receive about this investment before making a decision?
Prospectus	Offering Memorandum
Most Recent Annual Report	Most Recent Quarterly or Interim Report
Recent News Releases	Research Reports
6. What license(s) do you hold that authorizes you to sell this product or service?
LICENSE TYPE	LICENSE INFORMATION
Insurance License	License No: ____________________________
Securities License	CRD No: ______________________________
Investment Advisor	License No: ____________________________ Corporation SEC
State Bar License	State Bar No:___________________________
Accountant License	CPA No: ______________________________
Real Estate License	DRE License No:________________________
Other	Explain: _______________________________