Look Out for Recession Scams

I'm currently reading a novel by Carl Hiassen called "Stormy Weather". It's quite entertaining, I recommend it. Many of the characters and much of the action in the story are so bizarre but the setting is very real. The story is set in Florida where a major hurricane hits and all the criminals migrate like vermin to feed off of desperate homeowners who have lost much in the storm and are in need of electricity, a roof over their heads and are trying to piece back their lives. A bad guy goes into the storm ravaged area and loots after midnight. A young gang goes around mugging people. A fake roofing company forms taking deposits from homeowners. Yes, maybe they put up a small part of the roof but then promise to return and never do, pocketing the deposit.

Unfortunately, this is really what happens when disaster strikes and con men swoop in to take advantage. With the economic turmoil we are experiencing, we have some people desperate enough to stoop to something immoral or illegal and then we have the cons who are always ready to take advantage of people in hard times. So, take heed from Larry Edelson (see his article below) and be on the alert for scammers who will be relentless in these times.

Recession Scams Are On the Rise
http://www.moneyandmarkets.com/scamalot-the-worst-con-jobs-are-yet-to-come-32596

Here is some advice from CNNMoney.com on avoiding scam artists and where to file a complaint.

http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/12/pf/saving/scam_artists_willis/index.htm?postversion=2009031210

Sunny