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Solidgoldmonthly for November
October 27, 2002

Welcome to SOLIDGOLDMONTHLY for November 2002

We appreciate you agreeing to receive our ezine and welcome your comments and suggestions. You may also submit articles for inclusion in future editions. Our email is solidgoldhome@charter.net

Bank Draft Scam Alert

We are receiving reports about the increased use of automatic bank drafts to separate unsuspecting consumers from their assets. All a company needs to withdraw funds from your bank account is the bank's routing number and your account number. The use of electronic funds transfer has gained in popularity over the last few years. Many people now use this method to pay mortgage payments, utility bills, tution payments, and even contributions to their favorite charity. It is a convenient method to be sure that your bills are always paid on time so that you avoid those exorbitant late charges. However, some very uncharitable people have discovered that it is remarkably easy for them to use this same method to withdraw funds from YOUR checking account.

Usually the scam starts with a very persuasive telemarketer with an offer for a credit card or other "fantastic" deal. After a few minutes you are convinced and agree to place an order or accept your "fabulous" prize. Then you are asked to read them the numbers from the bottom of your check. Once they have this information they can withdraw funds from your checking account without your signature or permission. You will not know that this money is now GONE until you reconcile your bank statement at the end of the month.

Another way of obtaining your account information is from a check that you have sent to a company that appears legitimate. The problem is that any employee with access to the records or mail can copy your check and pass along the information to an accomplice.

How to Avoid a Scam
Many calls that you receive from telemarketers are legitimate and legal. Some even offer a product or service that will be of great value to you or your family. Never order from a telemarketer unless they are willing to provide the name, address, and phone number of the company they represent. If they avoid any of these questions, hang up immediately. No is the most powerful word in the English language. Never fall for a sales pitch that includes "limited offer" or "you MUST sign up now." Any business interested in having you as a customer will provide you with their information and give you a reasonable time to decide.
Once you have this information then turn on your computer and check for references at the Better Business Bureau and for complaints at Complaints.Com

If no adverse information appears then call back and place your order. They will be glad to hear from you and you will have had the time to make an informed decision. However, it is still not time to abandon all caution. Always use a credit card and insist that you not be charged until shipment. Some companies, like the recent "as seen on TV" Abenergizer scam, will keep promising shipment until your time limit to contest a charge expires.

I've Been Ripped Off
If you discover a fradulent withdrawal from your account, go to the bank immediately. Do Not Call! Phone calls or emails do not count and the money will keep disappearing from your pocketbook. Fill out a report (keep a copy) and insist that your account be credited. Do not let them tell you that you must call the company that withdrew the money. This is the bank's way of avoiding a loss. If the bank does not cooperate you must close your account and find another bank. Some banks will transfer charges from one account to another so it is important to close all of your accounts. You should also notify the Better Business Bureau ,your State Attorney General, and the FTC.

Monthly Best Value
The American Bar Association says: "Americans have come to view legal assistance as a necessity. The best way for the majority of Americans to be able to assure themselves of legal assistance when they need it... is through a prepaid legal plan."

"More than half of all households have a legal situation right now."

Now, there's a remarkably simple solution... Simply put, a Pre-Paid Legal plan does for attorney and legal bills what an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) does for doctor and hospital bills.

For a small monthly fee of $26 or less, you receive a comprehensive legal service plan that protects your legal rights and provides you and your family peace of mind and security. Included is the preparation of your and your spouse's will at no extra charge. Pre-Paidlegal

That's all for this month. If you have not visited us recently we have added many new pages loaded with information for your home business. Solidgoldhomebusiness

Thank you Carolyn and Wayne
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