Aug 09 2008
Sketchy Letter
Beware anonymous, generic letters with a typewritten address and no return address. We received one of these a while back in the mail, with an Albuquerque postmark, and a sticky reading “Thought you’d be interested! J” attached to a newspaper ad clipping.
The article, scanned below, plays on people’s economic fears, in this case, investors fed up with earning only 3% on their CDs. The article is a come-on for some scheme to earn returns more than a CD, but is of course short on details and requires the reader to call a phone number (800-326-0984) to receive a free report.
My research so far hasn’t revealed much on this scheme (similar stories with minor differences can be found here, here, and here), but it does appear to be related to private money lending, otherwise known as hard money lending (a good article on hard money lending can be found here). Pretty risky business, this type of lending, because the typical person who seeks out hard money can’t get funding the old-fashioned way via banks, likely because they have bad or no credit or are in some other special situation where a bank wouldn’t normally lend to them. (I think an example in recent years would be the massive speculation in real estate investment — think flippers, or borrowers in over their heads thanks to a neg-am or option-arm loan.)
Not that hard money lending is necessarily a bad thing, I just don’t think retirees or financial newbies should be targeted, which these ads look like they are. Anyhow, it looks pretty sketchy, so investor beware. 8003260984, 1-800-326-0984, (800)326-0984
received same (except diff. date/contact #) fake newspaper cutout in the mail with Birmingham, AL postmark and same post-it note with thought you’d be interested, J inscribed…. Back of fake newspaper article/ad cutout had mutual fund tables, which would be typical of page 2 of a financial section of a paper, but I know of no paper called Financial News. I checked some random prices on the fake newspaper mutual funds table for that date with historical prices on google finance and they weren’t anywhere close. It appears they just reprinted a random table on the back of their ad, cutout some of it to make it appear like a real newspaper clipping and then try to capture your attention from the headline to read further and call their toll-free number. I found a site that touts this as a good marketing technique for tax-deferred annuities:
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/54975
with explanation of the teaser toward the bottom of the page. I also found several sites on the internet using the google search term: “investors frustrated and disgusted” in quotes and it appears there are a group of individual people all over the country that are marketing some type of financial service (probably connected with life insurance and/or annuities) using this fake newspaper clipping as a come on to get you to call. anyway, thought you’d be interested and perhaps others that get this in the mail will search and find my comments. I do not like deceptive tactics regardless of whether a business is legit or not. The clipping has now made its way to my trash can..
Just recieved the exact same letter from “J” with different contact information. I had a feeling this was a marketing scheme but I’m so glad that I was able to confirm this, it was driving me crazy trying to figure out who “J” was. Anyway just wanted to say thanks for posting!
Just received in the mail an anonymous letter…no return address. The yellow sticky had my name and “Thought you’d be interested! J.” This was an ad. It says “Free Book Reveals: “Retirement Secrets of How to Avoid Being Forced to Work Forever Because of The Economic Meltdown”…The article has “Steve Williams” as the staff writer and this is also from the “Financial News” as was suggested in a posting above, as well as a posting of Mutual Funds. The date is August 30, 2009, and today is Friday, September 4th. So they are pretty timely, I will deposit this in my circular file along with my other trash
Recieved the same exact “article” with sticky note “Thought you’d be interested! J” on September 30th, clipping marked September 20th… Timely as well. It was driving me nuts wondering who “J” was. Thank you for posting!!
I just received the same with a sticky-note that has the look of being hand-written. It says “thought you’d be interested!” signed “j”.
The clipping is not from a real newspaper, but made to look like one.
It’s promoting a book called “Secrets Of A Stress Free Retirment” that is supposedly free.
I’m sure it’s a scam. It’s going in the trash.
I got the same fake newspaper clipping in the mail with a large yellow post-in containing handwriting that said, “Gil, Thought you’d be interested! J.” The envelope contained no return address, and the newspaper clipping does not indicate which newspaper it is from. The clipping offered a free book entitled “Secrets of a Stress Free Retirement” for people that call an 800 number. This guy is up to no good. Beware!!!
Same here. Really freaked me out for a min. Good thing internet is widely available to utilize and research on scams like this. Thanks!
Thanks, got the same thing yesterday and like the others racked my brain to see who J was. Really appreciate it.
Likewise. Received “Retirements Secrets Of How To Avoid Being Forced To Work FOREVER Because Of The Economic Meltdown”… dated Sun. Jan 24, 2010, page 3-B. At least the postal service got some $’s for the stamp they used. Noted no return address as well.
If you have scans or more details of the letters you are receiving, send them in, I’d like to add to the collection if possible.
Since my original post on these financial come-ons, I haven’t really given this a second thought. But as you can see, there has been a notable increase in activity recently. Might be the new year, plus the fact that the country is still in bad economic shape. Regardless, it’s interesting these people are still using the same tactics to separate good people with good intentions away from their hard earned money.
Knowledge is power, so let’s spread the word.
Over a decade ago, I received a series of similar mailings, same fake articles, same post it note, same cryptic message signed by “J.” These messages were all about weight loss schemes. I moved overseas and, much to my astonishment, these mailings followed me to my new address in Europe.
Some ten years passed, and yesterday I received one mailed from “Northern VA” to my address in Fairfax, VA. The fake ad reads “Free Book Reveals: Retirement Secrets….” The article purportedly written by “Steven Wiliams, staff writer, Financial News, date Feb 7, 2010.” The post it note read “Thought you’d be interested! J”
Into the trash where it belongs.
“J” gets around! Received a similar tear sheet from the Sunday, February 28, 2010 edition of the infamous “Financial News.” “Secrets of a Stress Free Retirement” Now listen J, retirement is always going to be a stress filled time and I don’t need your book to guide me otherwise! Hello? Have you looked at the economy lately.
Apparently, “J” has been living in Boise, Idaho and sending his latest missive out with all the characteristics of the comments listed in Michael, et.al posts.
Interesting….I’d bet on a phony annuity of some kind!
I have just received my newspaper clipping dated March 14, 2010 with an attached yellow post-it note saying: Bruce, Thought you’d be interested! J
in blue ball point and a flowery script. The most obvious give away of this piece is the quality of print on the reverse os the ad – it is not standard newspaper print, it is some kind of low quality pixelated low rez printing. I did a bit of google work and found this website with other similar material. My ad is:
Free Book reveals:
Retirement Secrets Of How To Avoid Being Forced To Work FOREVER Because Of The Economic Meltdown.
Scam.
Fail.
I think my buddy J is in Austin for SXSW. Sent me a clipping from financial news dated March 14,2010, saying that I wouldn’t have to work forever!…they have a book of secrets!
Did anybody call?
Thanks, J…(ack)
This is the first year I was aware of the the attack of the geeks at SXSW.
SXSW started as a music festival a number of years back, They added film festival to the fun a few years back.
Now it seems J has come to town to share in the festivities.
I just got the “Retirement Secrets” “clipping”, mailed anonymously from my own state. Until Bruce mentioned it, I didn’t notice the pixelated printing.
Just got my “Retirement Secrets” “clipping”, today dated Sunday April 11, mailed anonymously from my own state, exactly as everyone above describe. Has anyone ever called the 800 number to find what they are selling? Glad to find this on the internet!!
I too received the letter. The paper was dated April 11. Same typed envelope, no return address. I actually sent my investment advisor an email asking if he sent me this. You see, his first name starts with “J”. I expect a WTF? response from him now. The letter was also mailed from the city I live in. These guys are good!
I received the exact same letter today that Ray received. This was the second one. i will not fall for this scheme.
Appearing from the dates above, J has been busy with the stickies and typewriter, and fixing up fake newspaper articles lately. If “J” is listening, life is stressful enough especially when you are out of work to try and figure out if someone you know if suggseting their plan is better as yours has failed. If “J’ is so smart, he/she needs
to exert more energy in helping those in need and not playing upon the fears of ohers. Since you aer so proficeint with malings, maybe you need to volunteer for church newsletter mailings and read a few of those articiles if you get a chance.
Hi I am J,
I was not aware I was so popular! For those who want to know more about this newspaper I sent out…I can tell you right now..it’s not a scam, its not money laundering. It is a simple advertisement that uses your fear(which is real) of not making enough on your money, or having to work through retirement, or paying too much in taxes.
I am a CFP®, (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™). I offer finanical planning for clients, through this I can show you real strategies that are legal, and accepted to help you reduce or eliminate your taxes.(Especially if you are receiving SS Income). I can help you increase your rate of return without increasing your risk. Many of our product are guaranteed by A+ rated insurance companies. It may be that you simply need some finanical direction.
In any event I am only one of many advisors that use this advertisement. If you are afraid someone is out to sell you something…don’t…most advisors, truly want to help you..they would like to get paid along the way and that’s why we advertise. If you do not want help…throw it away..but first..patt yourself on the back becasue you are probably finanically successful already…otherwise you would not have received the advertisement.
Jared ——, CFP® CRPC®
CERTIFIED FINANICAL PLANNER™ Professional
{Edited by Admin: Jared added contact information to the comment, but since I can’t vouch for the authenticity of the comment, I decided to leave that info off for now. However, I think it’s important to present both perspectives, so thanks for the comment Jared.}
Ditto. Got one in Il, mailed from Carol Stream IL.
Thanks for posting.
Just received the same article today in the mail addressed to my husband. We were trying to figure out who it was from, thanks for the post on this! The hand written yellow sticky; throws you off for a second. Hope others check out this post!
Does anyone know how this person “J” obtains our addresses?
Got the newspaper clipping today. Dated Sunday April 18, 2010 on page 3-B Financial News. “J” thought I would be interested. Mailed from my state. Great that it cost them .44 postage to let me know:)
Beware.
Just got the same letter today in Missoula, MT. Dated Sunday, May 2, 2010. Has the exact same sticky note as those described above. I’m glad I came across these posts!
I got the same fake ad dated May 2, 2010. It was from the same city I live in and signed by “J” also. I think everyone should spam their website with fake requests for more info – just as they have spammed us with their fake letter. Here’s their website: http://www.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.com/retirement_secrets.html
{Edited by Admin: Link removed. No need to stoop to their level.}
It’s not a scam, it’s just a direct marketing ad designed so that more people will open and read it. The book IS free, and the advertiser is trying to find people who may be interested in financial planning help. Only a small percentage of people request the book, and those are usually people who may be getting ready to do some financial planning or investing. They are curious and want to know more.
Different financial planners use this ad and offer of books or reports to find potential clients. They will send more reports and some helpful newsletters to people who ask for the book – in hopes that some of these people will eventually want their services. It is not promoting any particular product or company, but most often people who are unhappy about their CDs earning low rates will end up learning about fixed annuities (not stock market) as an alternative to CDs.
It’s just a way to narrow down the number of people they advertise to – targeted marketing, rather than send “junk mail” to everyone.
Thanks for this post. We just recieved the same; typed envolope, article, post-it signed by, “J”. Thought continuing replies on this post a good idea for others & for logging the dates…10/08 – 6-10!
I just received a letter like this as well. I hesitated even opening it since there was no return address and it was computer printed address. The other thing that caught my eye was the clipping didn’t seem to be from a real newspaper. The post-it note had me concerned because there are two special people in my life that go by J. Thanks for posting your experiences and confirming my suspicions. Postmark 6-10-2010 and received 6-11-2010
Me too, just received it today. Thought it might be from my friend Jim but after a quick google I found this site.
At 63 I am still so amazed at the flim flam artists and con men in the world trying to separate the fools from their money.
Be careful out there!
All very interesting. I simultaneously called as I googled the book title and consequently came upon this site. Has anyone given their information and received the book? I guess I’ll find out. If and when I do, I’ll respond again. And yes, I will be careful.
I just received it to day addressed to my Brother who has been dead for over 7 year. This really up-set me.
“J” stands for Jerk.
Anyone who pretends to have a nonexistent publication, and to be on first name basis with me and expects me to know who J is, except for Jerk, is a con artist.
This is no different from spam received by email.
I Recieved a letter today with no return address I opened it. It had Newspaper Clipping about Credit card Debt with a post it on the newspaper saying I thought you would be interested. How is this dude getting are Addresses??????? and i dont even have a Credit Card….
Got one yesterday with the “Financial News” dated 7/4/2010 – glad the “J” (must stand for “jerk”) wasted a 44 cent first class stamp!
I just received a letter July 6th, same as Jess!! My letter was post marked Santa Ana, CA the newspaper was date 6/17/10. It was the newspaper article with a posted note stating, I thought you would be interested “J”. I feel better now knowing its just random, but how do they get our addresses??!
I received one postmarked from my own city,post it with my name and “Though you’d be interested”, “paper” dated July 4th. Grrrr.