Seniors are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. Far too often unscrupulous people prey upon this vulnerability. If you know a senior who may be experiencing abuse of any kind, it’s important to understand the warning signs and guide them to help quickly. Abuse by a Relative, Caregiver, or Neighbor Sadly, far too often a senior is targeted by someone that they know and trust. This could be a caregiver, a neighbor, or a relative. While bruises, abrasions, or bedsores might be obvious signs of physical elder abuse, improprieties concerning a senior’s finances often are … [Read more...]
Six Ways to Make Your Online Banking Experience Safer
Online banking is certainly convenient, but is it safe? If you are not careful, your online banking activities could inadvertently grant access to hackers, identity thieves, and others who mean you harm. But you do not have to give up the advantages of online banking; taking a few common sense precautions can help you protect yourself and your money. Here are six simple ways to make your online banking experience safer and more secure. #1 Sign Up for Fraud Alerts Banks have a vested interest in protecting their customers' money. When banks suffer losses, their bottom lines … [Read more...]
Smart Ways to Reduce Liability Risks for Your Small Business
Running your own small business can be liberating and exhilarating. Making your own way in the world just feels good, and, if you do everything right, the earning potential can be extremely lucrative. Unfortunately for small business owners, there are others who want a piece of the action, and businessmen and women are frequent targets of lawsuits. Some of these legal proceedings have merit, while others fall into the nuisance category. No matter what the situation, an ounce of lawsuit prevention is worth far more than a pound of cure. The best way for small business owners to deal with … [Read more...]
Could You Recognize These Warning Signs of Investment Fraud?
When it comes to investing, you must find a financial advisor who is honest and has your best interests at heart. Unfortunately, while the vast majority of brokers and financial advisors work hard for their clients, that is not always the case. Investment fraud is a real problem, and you could suffer a devastating financial loss if you fail to recognize the warning signs. Whether you are already working with an advisor or still looking for the right professional, knowing the warning signs of investment fraud will help you protect yourself and your money. Here are some warning signs to watch … [Read more...]
Affinity Fraud: How to Protect Yourself and Your Finances
Despite what you may believe, financial fraud does not always come in the form of strangers touting Ponzi schemes or investments that sound too good to be true. Instead, all too often financial fraud arises from people you trust - like the college classmate who just reached out on social media or the distinguished gentleman who recently joined your church group. This unique, and often devastating, type of financial fraud is so common it has its own name - affinity fraud. What is Affinity Fraud? The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission defines affinity fraud as the … [Read more...]
Keeping it Legal: 4 Things You Need to Do Before Starting Your Business
Starting a new business can be exciting and lucrative. But it also comes with a great deal of responsibility and potential pitfalls. Here are four things you should consider before beginning a business. Choose a Legal Structure Operating a business without forming a legal entity can expose you and your partners to substantial personal liability and negative tax consequences. In contrast, forming a corporation or a limited liability company turns your business into its own separate legal entity. Of course every legal structure has different risks and benefits. As a result, it is best … [Read more...]
A Guide to Protecting Yourself from Phishing Emails
The term "phishing" refers to fraudulent methods of obtaining personal information. There are a number of phishing methods that fraudsters employ, the most common being by email. Phishing emails are designed to look as though they come from legitimate companies (often banks and credit card companies) with the aim of tricking you into entering personal information such as: Online bank log-in usernames and passwords Personal Identification Numbers Social Security Numbers Phishing emails often look very realistic at first glance. They often contain duplicated … [Read more...]
How You Can Help Your Personal Injury Claim
If you have been injured as a result of the carelessness or negligence of somebody else, you have every right to seek compensation for your damages. You must, however, act quickly and responsibly. You don't want important evidence to disappear, memories to get fuzzy, or critical witnesses to relocate a thousand miles away. Here is what you need to do to exercise and preserve your rights and protect your case. Seek Immediate Medical Care You should act promptly to receive care for any pain that you experience after an accident. Sometimes an injury will worsen in the 24-48 hours after an … [Read more...]