As professionals, we tend to see the more negative side of life. But we don’t exactly consider that to be a negative trait. Because we question everything and tend to dig far past the usual surface, can very often smell a rat where no one else would believe it to be true.
We approach with caution. We get the facts. And then we make a professional assessment. According to a recent survey conducted by FINRA Investor Education Foundation Report, at least 80% of Americans have been solicited at least once in their lifetime by scam artists.
We can skillfully sniff out the scammers with due diligence and background investigation skills. If you are considering an investment of any sort, conduct a due diligence investigation, especially if there is a large amount of money or assets involved. You will be able to discern the validity of not only the investment; but of the person representing the investment.
So if you haven’t yet decided to call on , at least take the following tips into consideration, especially when you have been asked to remove money from your pocket:
- When an individual or an organization insists that you will reap amazing rewards by offering very little money up front, consider this to be a red flag. No matter how badly you want to believe you’ve finally hit a jackpot, remember that old saying, “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
- Beware of cold call pitches, either by telephone or email. Don’t put a lot of stock in an amazing TV ad, either. None of these avenues are considered to be professional by those who offer reputable investment opportunities.
- Run away from seemingly fantastic opportunities that promise you more green in your pocket, just as soon as you bring additional investors into the fold.
- Watch out for educational seminars which promise to teach you how to make millions. In many cases, the seminars will eventually get around to asking for more money from you, so you can be told the even bigger secrets.
A due diligence investigation can help you sort out the facts. Even, or especially, when a ‘love interest’ asks for monetary help, supposedly for a short-term. Our job here at is to get to the truth of a matter. It might not be the truth you want to hear, but it can save you in the long run.
-Brenda McGinley, CEO, All in Investigations, All in Investigations
