Scammers impersonating government officials craft convincing stories to steal your money or personal information. They have now adopted a new, multi-layered tactic. Here’s how to recognize it:

First, scammers pose as representatives of a company, contacting you about a routine issue, such as suspicious charges on your Amazon account, a virus on your computer, or an account breach.

The situation then intensifies: They falsely claim your name is involved in serious crimes and that the court is about to seize your bank account or retirement savings.

Next, they switch roles from harbingers of bad news to saviors, supposedly connecting you with a government official to “resolve” the problem.

However, the person they transfer you to is not a government employee. Instead, they aim to trick you into withdrawing cash from your accounts and handing it over to them.

When it comes to estate planning, selecting the appropriate fee structure is crucial for both clients and attorneys. In most cases, flat fees offer a straightforward and predictable approach, making them the preferred choice for the majority of wills and trusts. However, there are exceptions, particularly in complex cases where hourly rates may be more suitable.

Flat fees provide clarity and transparency, giving clients a clear understanding of their financial commitment upfront. This structure is ideal for standard estate planning services, where the scope of work is well-defined and the process is relatively straightforward. With flat fees, clients can budget effectively and avoid any surprises when it comes to legal costs.

However, in cases involving complex estate plans with intricate legal requirements or unique circumstances, hourly rates may offer greater flexibility and accuracy. These situations often require extensive analysis, consultation, and ongoing support, which can vary significantly in terms of time and effort. Paying by the hour allows clients to receive the personalized attention and comprehensive assistance necessary for their complex estate planning needs.

Ultimately, the choice between flat fees and hourly rates depends on the individual circumstances of each case. While flat fees are generally appropriate for most estate planning scenarios, complex cases may benefit from the flexibility and tailored approach offered by hourly billing.

Making informed decisions regarding an attorney also extends beyond choosing the right fee structure; it involves selecting a lawyer you trust, who has good references, and is known for ethical billing practices. Please see the NAOSA Consumer Guide for more information.

In summary, flat fees are typically the preferred fee structure for estate planning, providing simplicity and predictability for clients. However, in instances of complex estate matters, hourly rates may be more suitable, offering the flexibility and personalized attention required to navigate intricate legal challenges effectively. By understanding the nuances of each fee structure, clients can make informed decisions that align with their specific needs and objectives in estate planning.

Every day brings a fresh batch of spam texts and emails flooding our inboxes. Spam is more than just annoying; it’s often a vehicle for scams or attempts to infect your device with malware. If you’re tired of dealing with spam, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

Scammers employ various tactics to make their spam messages appear legitimate, hoping to lure you into clicking on links and divulging personal or financial information. Your passwords, bank account details, and Social Security numbers are particularly valuable to them. With access to such information, scammers can attempt to steal your money or identity, or both.

To minimize spam and avoid falling victim to scams:

When it comes to protecting your driveway and maintaining its longevity, opting for a quality sealant seems like a prudent choice. However, recent reports from reputable sources like Consumer Reports and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) shed light on a concerning trend: driveway sealant scams.

Consumer Reports Findings:

Consumer Reports, a trusted voice in product testing and consumer advocacy, has issued warnings regarding fraudulent driveway sealing services. These scams typically involve individuals going door-to-door offering driveway sealing services at seemingly attractive prices. However, the sealant used is often of inferior quality, diluted, or even completely absent, leaving homeowners with a subpar result and wasted money.

In their investigations, Consumer Reports has found instances where these fraudulent contractors prey on vulnerable homeowners, particularly the elderly, promising professional-grade sealing services but delivering substandard workmanship. Such deceptive practices not only harm consumers financially but also erode trust in legitimate businesses operating in the driveway maintenance industry.

BBB Alerts:

The Better Business Bureau has also issued alerts regarding driveway sealant scams. Through their consumer complaint database, BBB has documented numerous cases of homeowners falling victim to unscrupulous contractors promising high-quality sealant applications but failing to deliver on their promises.

These scams often involve pressure tactics, such as claiming the need for immediate sealing due to nonexistent driveway damage or offering significant discounts for on-the-spot decisions. Unfortunately, many consumers have reported paying for services that were either poorly executed or never completed, resulting in frustration and financial loss.

Protect Yourself:

So, how can you safeguard yourself against driveway sealant scams? Here are some tips:

1. Research Thoroughly: Before engaging any contractor for driveway sealing services, research their reputation online. Check for reviews, ratings, and complaints on platforms like the BBB website and consumer review websites.
2. Ask for Credentials: Legitimate contractors should be licensed, insured, and bonded. Ask for proof of credentials before agreeing to any services.
3. Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple contractors to compare pricing and service offerings. Be wary of significantly low estimates, as they could be indicative of inferior materials or shoddy workmanship.
4. Request a Written Contract: Insist on a detailed written contract outlining the scope of work, materials to be used, and payment terms. Avoid contractors who refuse to provide written documentation.
5. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Don’t be pressured into making hasty decisions.

Conclusion:

Driveway sealant scams are a prevalent issue that can leave homeowners with both financial and emotional distress. By staying informed, conducting thorough research, and exercising caution when hiring contractors, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these deceptive practices. Remember, when it comes to driveway maintenance, investing in quality services from reputable professionals is always the best choice for long-term satisfaction and peace of mind.

March 7th marks the annual Slam the Scam Day, designated by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This day serves as a crucial reminder that scammers target individuals of all ages. Sadly, older adults remain particularly vulnerable to these fraudulent schemes, exploiting vulnerabilities we’re all too aware of.

Join us and the SSA in our collective effort to combat scams. By spreading awareness, you contribute significantly to thwarting this persistent threat. Download a free copy or share this article to amplify our message and protect our communities!

Here’s how to recognize scammers. They may:

The scam involving fake tax returns is happening again this year. The scam targets individuals like you, aimed at stealing your sensitive personal information, particularly your Social Security Number (SSN), for fraudulent purposes, which includes filing a fraudulent tax return and stealing your refund.

Here’s how the scam works: Scammers obtain your SSN through various means, such as phishing emails, fake phone calls, or even through data breaches. Once they have your SSN, they file a false tax return on your behalf, claiming refunds that rightfully belong to you.

To protect yourself and your hard-earned money, we urge you to take the following precautions immediately:

1: Be Vigilant: Be wary of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages requesting your personal information, especially your SSN. Legitimate government agencies and financial institutions will never ask for such sensitive details via these channels.

2: Verify Sources: Before providing any personal information, verify the legitimacy of the requestor. If in doubt, contact the organization directly using official contact information from their website or other trusted sources.

3: Secure Your SSN: Treat your SSN as highly confidential information. Avoid carrying your Social Security card in your wallet or sharing it unnecessarily.

4: Monitor Your Finances: Regularly review your bank statements, credit reports, and tax records for any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions.

5: File Early: File your tax returns as early as possible to minimize the window of opportunity for scammers to file fraudulent returns in your name.

If you suspect or know that you may have been a victim of tax-related identity theft, here’s how you can discover if someone has filed a fraudulent return using your SSN:

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service as well as the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has issued advisories relating to recent surges in check fraud.

Fraudsters are stealing paper checks from the U.S. Mail by targeting blue U.S. Postal Service (USPS) collection boxes as well as personal (home) mailboxes. There has also been an uptick in thefts of checks by USPS employees who work at mail collection and processing facilities.

Fraudsters are utilizing check washing methods to alter the stolen checks. In this scheme, they change the payee, check number and often the dollar amount of the check. They then utilize fraudulent identities to deposit checks and steal money from your account. In some cases, stolen checks are also counterfeited using routing and account information from the original check.

Scammers often pose as public servants, distant relatives, non-profit organizations, or representatives from familiar companies when approaching their targets. Verify who you are speaking with before sending someone money or communicating your personal information, especially if the unexpected request originates from text messages, phone calls, or emails.