Today I discovered this 419 “gem” from “Frank Jones” with the email address mmet12@me.com. It’s very simple – help him get $15 million, and I get 35% – easy right? Problem is, it’s a scam. 90% of the public knows this by now, but there are still unfortunate souls falling for this. Below is the content of the email I received. (Note that in the email I received, the text itself wasn’t sent, but it was an image of the text!) … Read entire article »

There has been a proliferation of lawyers advertising “cash now” to purchase structured settlements for a lump sum. This practice has been shunned by some independent legal analysts as contrary to the reason structured settlements exist at all. It has also been hailed as a viable alternative for those who would prefer to receive all of their money at once. While the debate rages, here are some of the major players in the purchasing of structured settlements in recent years. This certainly isn’t a complete list. I’ve listed the BBB ratings for each, as of October 8, 2010. This can change at any time. I also take any BBB rating with a grain of salt. I’ve personally dealt with horrible companies (none listed below) who held an A+ rating. … Read entire article »

I’ve seen a lot of long-winded definitions of structured settlements, but really it is just a payment plan. Typically a structured settlement comes in the form of worker’s compensation or some physical injury settlement. Rather than taking the full lump sum settlement, a structured payment plan is constructed to be paid over time. They have really only come into prominence in the US over the past 35 years. … Read entire article »

Vons is a big West Coast grocery store, if you don’t already know. I rarely shop there because their prices are far higher than the Smith’s a little further from my house. But that’s not the point here. What bugs me is that they are always – and I mean ALWAYS – asking me if I want to “donate” when I check out. Not only does the checker ask me, but I’m asked when I use my debit card, too. I once asked the checker why I must be asked to donate TWICE every time I come through the line. She just said she was required to ask. I know it’s not her fault, but it still bugs me! … Read entire article »

I’ve seen forums on fire with claims of thievery by Google… something like, “I had 5000 page impressions but Google shows half that!” So when I see such scathing and damning claims, I know I have to take a look. … Read entire article »