Monday, April 9, 2012

Don’t ‘Lose’ Your Common Sense


We all receive solicitations – on the phone, over the internet, and through the mail – for “can’t miss” financial opportunities.

It may be an interest rate way above current market rates, or a chance to invest in oil wells or currency speculation, all at no risk.

Don’t fall victim. There is no such thing as a “risk-free” investment.

We’ve all heard the saying “If it’s too good to be true, it is.”  Unfortunately, many of us treat that advice as a cliché that doesn’t deserve the respect it should receive.

I recognize that con men -- and women -- can be very persuasive and confidence-inspiring. If they’re not, they’ll be forced to take up a different line of thievery.

So, if you receive a pitch that sounds “too good”, make yourself stop and think.  Tell the phone solicitor you want to think it over -- put aside that letter -- don’t reply to that E-mail.  If the next day you’re still unsure, call your attorney, accountant or best friend for a second opinion. Chances are that you’ll make a wise decision then.

If you still have the urge to try and strike it rich, go buy a lottery ticket.  Your chances of succeeding won’t be much greater but the ticket should cost a whole lot less that falling for a scam.

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