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 pips marsden
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.
I received one today touting a free book. When I first looked at it I thought it was a page pulled from the Financial Times but of course on closer inspection it said Financial News. I have to admit he has a good game because I might be the hardest cookie to crack when it comes to junk mail.
Standard mail does not get opened, post cards do not get read, and I recycle all catalogs without even looking at them. This one though was sent first class with my name typed. I figured it was junk mail but then I open it to find a newspaper clipping. I did not read it but I gave it a good examination. Cudos to that guy for very clever marketing. He somehow got me to open it. Not many can claim that.
Shame on anyone for reading it, considering it, or being enticed with it. Never respond to any solicitation. Even if it is a good idea. Go out, research, and find your our source.
I received the letter today, exactly the same as everyone else. Sticky note with my name, signed by J. Very clever advertising, I must admit. Glad I found this site before I called the number in curiosity. I am sure the people who do call get lots of telemarketing calls in return since you cannot block your number to a toll free number !! Beware everyone !!
I received the letter on 8/14/10. It was addressed to my sister, who lives elsewhere, but sent to my address. The clipping was dated 8/8/10 and told you how to receive a free copy of “Secrets Of A Stress Free Retirement”. Attached was the same yellow sticky note that everyone else received.
If this truly is a marketing scheme, the person sending the letters should approach prospective clients in a direct, honest, and confident manner. Only then will they have a chance to form new business relationships.
I got one to. Who the hell sent it to me and what the hell do they want?
Same here…got the letter today. Glad to know it’s not just me getting some creepy letter from someone I don’t know.
Got it yesterday. Mailed from my town with a different phone number. “Clever marketing” my rear end. Great idea to get financial advice from someone lures you in so deceptively. Wonder at the targeting….age?….income?…..relative value of housing in my area? They will get the most gullible of us responding to the phone number I guess. Shocked at this one – can’t see it as a legit business – what honest business would fish for prospects in this fashion?
I’m hurt that “J” didn’t think of me first! Russ has gotten a 2 year head start at implementing this “plain english” guide. I wonder how they are all mailed locally, mine was postmarked Charlotte NC. Same yellow sticky inside and exact same note cited above.
I got one for a car dealership (H and L Motors) about 40 miles away from where I live. It was advertising for a sale they were having. I knew the sale was going on, as I have also heard ads on the radio. After I found out it was a bulk mailing (others I know got the same mailing), I called the dealiship to find out if it was them who actually sent it; the phone numbers on thier website and the letter were different which made things look even more shady. The car dealership had hired a third party to do the marketing (must have been a group of 1st graders by the hand writing). The mailing was to grab our attention, which it worked. But with no return address or anything, it makes the mailing and the dealership very sketchy.
The first time I called, I asked for “J” and was sent on to the sales dept, to another person. I won’t be buying a car at H and L, ever!
I also received an add similiar for a Lampasas dealer. The envelope had no return address and had a Waco Post mark. We were checking the paper online to find out which paper it was from. And we started finding the EXACT same article from two years ago, same note, with a different dealership and state. On it was a handwritten note saying ******- You might be interested J. For a minute I thought it was my mother-in-law’s handwriting. We actually went down to the dealership. The pictures on this fake article are very recent. The vehicles listed on this fake clipping are indeed on the lot at the dealership. We asked them about the article and they claimed to have had no idea. The owner of the dealership is correct in the article as well as the name of the General Service Manager.
Wife received similar letter (news paper article) from J for book called “secrets of a stress free retirement…” Lower Left discloses “advertisement” BUYER BEWARE.
Think people think.
Jared,
If you are indeed J, why don’t you put a return address on the envelope? Why the secrecy? What are you trying to hide?
Doesn’t have anything to do with a sketchy letter, but found this information interesting regardless. It’s Mark Ryder v. James F. Mabry (http://www.leagle.com/xmlResult.aspx?xmldoc=In%20ALCO%2020101029002.xml&docbase=CSLWAR3-2007-CURR), a lawsuit where the victim of an illegal Ponzi scheme (PIPS MARSDEN) sues the person who recruited him into the scam. And wins. Thanks for the link, a good cautionary tale for anyone who things only the owners/admins can be liable.
Got my copy of the Fake today..signed by “J…wonder who it could be.
did a google search and here are friends of “J who got the same scam like I did.
thanks for covering this information
Hey all, I got my email today, thinking that it was from one of my many conservative friends (i’m a loosy liberal) as a joke… i was alarmed by the J, and curious as to where the newspaper was from. I googled the headline and came here! I cant believe it! It’s kinda creepy that some guy has my name, address, and… what else???
Griff
One came today addressed to my husband. My thoughts: Anyone who’d send anonymous letter like this a con artist. I’d never do business with anyone like this and can’t believe some of you would consider getting the book! Just saying’
J must be operating out of an RV, and is heading south for the winter. Got my letter postmarked November 29th right here in Jacksonville, FL.
The mailings are ubiquitous; but seem none so treacherous.
Faux newspaper is interesting; but the message is not threatening.
CRP website looks professional; I suppose1-800 more objectionable.
Name, address, and Email are needed; to flurry of mail you will be treated
However, there’ll be less words of dread, that those seen in this ‘sketchy’ thread.
Got mine today “Retirement Secrets Of How To Avoid Being Forced To Work Forever Because of the Economic Meltdown” by Steve Williams and post it note from “J”. I also noted that “J” responded in this thread, interesting that he doesn’t mention what city and state he is working out of? There is a disclaimer on the bottom of the article, very small print. I guess this is the way he/she gets away with this practice.
Well, it’s still going on! I just got one of these newspaper clippings with the exact same yellow sticky note, and this time it’s aimed at licensed insurance agents, like myself. This one advertises a free book on how to get leads to call YOU and only YOU.
I’m glad I checked into this, was really tempted to call and see what the free book was about!
PS: I live in FL and mine was postmarked Santa Cruz, CA
Kelly
I got one today…..greensboro NC…I was so curious …same MO of “thought you’d be interested J”…drove me crazy..I decided to google “staff writer steve williams” and this site came up…….prior to the google search,I foolishly called the toll free # but I did not like what I was hearing…they wanted too much info…but, I did give them my POB …will see if the mail “the book”
ha!!!!!!!
I hate when i get taken!!
If they have no qualms about creating a fake newspaper to convince you to invest in their products, they’ll have no qualms about deceiving you in other ways.
Got one of these this week. It stated “Financial News” on one side, and “Money & Finance” on the other, dated Jan. 9, 2011. Same yellow sticky. However, this one was entitled “Married Women Beware: Free Book Reveals…”Don’t Get Cheated Out of Your Money.” Well, at first I was appalled, because I thought one of my friends thought my husband was stealing money from our accounts. Then, upon looking a little deeper, I thought someone was referring to my possible financial condition should my husband die suddenly – what makes it all the more frightening is the fact that my husband does have a serious heart condition. Very upsetting!!! There’s no excuse for such a thing – they don’t even take into account that it could upset people in similar situations that don’t look further into the scam, or elderly people who don’t use the internet. It took a few minutes to finally find this site – Thanks for allowing these posts!
Thanks for the posts. Got the same note/article yesterday in Northern Iowa. Title was “Retirement Secret of How to Avoid Being Forced to Work Forever because of the Ecpnomic Meltdown” I am wondering if there is a relationship between the religous cult that called me on Saturday and this article? if I called the number, would I get someone who would say that they would be happy to deliver it so we could talk in person? Have others been called or visited by strangers wondering about “what do you think the biggest challenge facing our country is?”
I just love the internet!,kuddo’s to google,, got my letter today !
We got ours today in the mail. It was addressed to my husband- same newspaper clipping, same post-it note. This is just gross.
Just saw this website: http://www.consumeradvisory.org/HowToAvoidBeingForcedToWorkForever.htm
This is the same article that was mailed to us. Check out the rest of the website!! Very, very sketchy!
Just received a letter like this today. The “free book” entitled Secrets of Financial Success….What to do if your husband is no longer there for you! Kind of scary at first.
My mom got a newspaper clipping in the mail today with the same post it and message; no return address; hand-typed address. Mail was sent from Providence and article was about “A woman’s survival secrets…” Thanks so much for this website – we were really scared at first!
My dad just received this same “letter” in the mail. Identical “newspaper” article and post-it note from “J”. It took me 2 minutes from his opening of the letter to my finding this discussion on your site stating exactly what it was and it’s history. Thank you for having this here. I’m sure our letter is only one of many in this renewed letter spam scam for 2011.
Here’s the post it note marketing company link
http://www.thinkinkmarketing.com/samples.php?sec=5
Great find, RWM. It’s a clever marketing tool, I can imagine “personalized” letters arriving in people’s mail gets opened at a higher rate than your normal, run-of-the-mill junk mail out there.
I got mine today, April 1, 2011. How appropriate for April Fools Day. It made me angry because there was no return address and I didn’t know who it was. One thing different about mine though from the other posts I just read here, there was no postmark on the envelope. It did have a USA44 stamp on it. One thing that made me more suspicious is that it was addressed to Ronald which is my name, but everyone I know calls me Ron. Even if this is done in a way that is technically legal, I still consider this to be a scam and I hope I don’t receive any more of these. My advice to all who receive this is to trash it. Thank you for this site and good luck to all who have posted about this here.
My dad got this same setup – same handwritten yellow Post-it (“Thought you’d be interested. J.”) attached to a fake newspaper clipping “Financial News B-3″ dated May 22, 2011. I’m glad I searched it on the internet and found so many people have found the same site and haven’t fallen for it either. One note – similar to Ron’s, above – is that it was addressed to my dad with his first name. Everyone who actually knows my dad knows he goes by his middle name – only people he doesn’t know use his first name. That set off alarms immediately, so I’m glad to find information on it here.
6/17/11
Just got one of these in the mail today. same clipping that KJ above posted…. same post-it note.
I questioned it because there are only people I know that would just sign it “J” and one of them is an associate at work and I had just spoken with him today, if he had a clipping for me he would have given it to me then. the other is a relative and she would use “JJ” instead of just “J”
So being the doubting Thomas that I am I did a serch and…. Voilia… here we are. Ha-Ha..
Got letter with typed address and no return with Financial News article advertizing free book “Secrets of a Stress Free Retirement” by Benjamin Greenhill and hotline number 1-800-298-0587 and a yellow sticky note with handwritten ” David, thought you’d me interested, J” and thought this was some scam and googled it to get here.
Thanks to all who posted so I could confirm this.
Got one today with a newspaper for “cash for clunkers” with same yellow sticky with blue writing signed J. So weird! Glad I am not alone!
“Free Book Reveals: ‘Retirement Secrets Of How To Avoid Being Forced To Work FOREVER Because of The Economic Meltdown’…”
Sounds like the same people with a hand written yellow post it. “Thought yould be interested! J”
Phone number was 1-800-575-2680
Scam
Got my article with little yellow post-it note from “J” today – Financial News June 19, 2011 – phone in this one is 800-637-85. thanks to Lisa and Michael for starting this valuable thread.
correction: phone 800-637-8502
Hey out there, I live in massachusetts and just received the exact same newspaper clipping with the exact same hand-written yellow sticky note with the aforementioned message, and signed “J”. It freaked me out! I Googled it and came to this site, and am relieved to know I am not being stalked. It’s weird marketing strategy, and don’t those peeps have anything better to do with their time?
Hello all, I live in western Massachusetts and my co-workers husband actually recieved this letter, and thanks to this site I was able to let her know this is an on going scam…The envelope was in typewriter print from a computer to Thomas her husband, the letter also had no return address, and a yellow post-it note that was hand written inside signed “J”, the perfectly torn news article was folded with care. This lead them to believe a friend had sent this to them. The only thing that saved them from questioning it was he has never gone by Thomas, but by a nick name so no one in his life would call him that in a letter. i think everyone should tell their friends to be aware of this scam.
I believe this company is stealing other companies names and trademarks. If you receive these letters in the mail be sure to contact the legal department of the company they are posing to be. This will help put an end to these scams.
Thank you for having this posted to your website. I got the same form letter today postmarked the 20th from N. Houston. It was entitled “Retirement Secrets…….”. This one had the same yellow post-it note signed by ‘J”, the typewriter font used on the envelope, and no return address just like everyone else got. My name is spelled wrong. (Sheesh, if they’re going to try and run a scam on someone, you’d think they would at least spell the name right.) The phone number on the ad is 1-800-288-9391. At the bottom of the “newspaper article” it states “The preceding article is an advertisement seeking to make consumers aware of alternative savings vehicles for their money.” yeah, right…the ‘savings vehicle’ is their back pocket! I hate scammers; they seem to be running rampant these days.
Just received one! Creepy!
Today is 8-6-2011 and the scheme goes on. I live near Pensacola. The letter came with a Penszcola post mark. The call back number is 1-800-519-7369, it’s a New York number.
Received the same retirement cutout last month. With some skeptisim, I called the 800# and gave some information. As it turns out, I received a call from a financial consultant that wanted to drop off the book. Again, with skeptisim, I agreed to accept the book. He was not pushy…just asked that if the info made sense and I had any questions, I could call him. (He also explained that the mail is direct target marketing )
The information is good, solid financial stuff. It was helpful to us. I did have some questions and he followed up and answered my questions. We should always be careful. There are people out there that want to seperate us from our money, but there are also very honest advisors that do want to help and bring value and education to the table. Lot’s of people I know seem to think they know it all, and in fact are more scared than I am but by denying a problem, I guess they think it will disappear.
I noticed that most responders to this blog never bothered to see the info in the book, let alone speak to anyone. It’s too bad our society has had to put up such protective barriers…many will miss out on good opportunities.
Bottom line…thru this mailer we learned and obtained someone that helped us financially.
Will
Got it today, same sticky with my name, no return address, here in Columbia, SC. Phone number has changed and is appearing in the Fake “Financial News” clipping dated August 7, 2011: (800) 497-6938. What a SCAM Avoid these clowns without a doubt. Thanks for this website to make us aware of the Shaddy Outfit and the scumbags that send it out.
My husband received one today, it was addressed to his given name not what everyone call him. We both were clueless as to who J was, but knew it was not someone we know. Thank God for this site; this would have driven me nuts! I can not believe this has been going on since 2008!
Same “Secrets Of A Stress Free Retirement” delivered north of San Francisco. 1-800-572-7193.
Got the same thing here – postmarked in Orlando. Phone # 800-673-8059. Losers.
They’re keeping it current. Mine was dated 9/4/11 and delivered north of Chicago from Bedford Park. Just for kicks, I checked some of the mutual funds prices for that week, and they are probably the only truthful things in the letter.
Got mine today. Once again, I’m grateful for the vast research potential of the web…makes stuff like this a lot more transparent.
J, or Jared (as he’s ID’ed himself here) claims this is not a scam. Perhaps not, but the approach – anonymous mail, no return address, faux “friendly” post-it note created to look like it’s from someone you know, attached to a fake clipping from a non-existent newspaper….all these factors would raise a red flag with anyone but the most naive individual.
If you have an honest product, there’s no need to cloak it in anonymity. You won’t get my business.
got one today…..freaked out. was sure there must be poison in the envelope. glad i found this site. it was postmarked from my state with a handwritten name/address. the letter was about getting rid of debt…..threw it away and washed my hands just in case…
What a childish effort at advertising! And I’m going to give money to someone with this poor judgement? Not in this life time.
http://secretsofastressfreeretirement.blogspot.com/2010/03/investors-frustrated-and-disgusted-with.html#comments
Just received one of these mailed from Sacramento, California (we live about 50 miles away). Knew it must be a scam right away by the name they used on the post-it note. Attached “newspaper clipping” was dated October 2, 2011, so they’re still out there. Thanks for all the info.
To all thanks for posting-this kind of thing really disturbs me. I am glad I researched and it led me to this site. Please all Beware. Once a member of my family ordered Video Professor that states”We will send you the disc for free” but after further inspection after a certain time (about 10 days) if you keep the disc they will begin to charge you for it . Some will relax because it is a “free” disc and review it at their own free time but if you dont return before 10 days WHAM you are hit with a hefty fee. It was lucky that I read the small print and was able to get it resolved for her just in the nick of time.
NOTHING of value is FREE! Unfortunaltely the scam must be working because it appears the first post on this blog was 2008. I’m old and cynical and have been fooled more times than I care to admit. Whoever starts crap like this should be flogged by a string of dead catfish.
just received similar mail no return address, postmarked kearny,nj
with a retirement article ripped outof financial times newspaper along with a post it
” thomas, thought you’d be interested” signed “j”
had a feeling it was baloney.
thanks for this informative site !
“SECRETS OF A STRESS FREE RETIREMENT” clipping received in Allentown, PA area about 2 weeks ago, purportedly from Financial News of Sunday, October 2, 2011, pg. 3-B, also with a pixellated mutual fund table on the reverse side. I too got faked out into thinking it was from a friend with interests like this whose first name starts with J – but that’s not how he signs anything. Thanks for hosting this website and allowing continuing posts and updates so folks can learn more about this trick still going around, and that similar ones might be out there. Gee, a week from now it’ll be very timely – but all trick and no treat !
Got the fake newsclipping dated October 16, 2011 today from somewhere, not even sure if it’s my home state of NJ. Although I never call 800 numbers, I’m glad I googled the title and found this blog anyway to reassure myself. Way to go people!
I recieved the infamous “J” note dated 10/24/2011. I work in the financial services industry and it saddens me to see this kind of deception. Jared, if you are truly a “professional”, why do you need to resort to used car salesman tactics to generate business? I work with CFPs who believe in the standards that the designation stands for and your fake newspaper article would never measure up.
To those of you looking for advice with YOUR needs in mind, a key question that you should ask an advisor is how she/he gets paid. Professional advisors work for a fee as do other professionals (Lawyers, CPAs, etc.). Salesmen work for commission. Understanding this distinction will help you to understand what motivates an “advisor”; your needs or their own.
Thank you, Lisa and Michael for exposing this sham.
Yes, this is an ongoing p.o.s. scam. And someone said at the top, the internet sure can come in handy, when you need to verify that this is nothing more than a scam. It is interesting to me the way that do get a local postmark. Mine was from my hometown of Champaign, Illinois. But I subscribe to the Financial Times, and I could tell that this was all fake. But it did change my life tho’. LOL!
Got the same conspicuous letter in the mail yesterday also. It was driving me crazy trying to figure out who “J” was. Must stand for “Jerk” since J’s trying to make a profit on people’s fears.
We got the exact same letter in the mail today, complete with yellow post-it note from “J”. Looks like it’s been going around for several years. Wonder how his book sales are going, ha ha.
Just received this same letter in Vermont. Unbelieveable how persistent this scam is.
Had fun trying to figure out who J is. However I’m glad this site was here to set me straight.
Just got one in Long Island NY…. Has this been going on since 2008… wow
Glad this site was listed 
Received one in Georgia (and postmarked in GA) today from a paper dated January 1, 2012. Even more strange is that it was sent to my ex-husband who has never lived at this address (or in this state). I called and asked him if I could open the envelope since there was no return address, we got a good laugh over it. ‘J’ sure does get around…the phone number on mine was 800-210-9308.
Have any one who received this letter had any dealings with a Texas Senator who’s first name begins with a J ?
I was feeling so annoyed with “J” and the anonymous -no-return-address envelope, so I’m glad I found this forum! I live in Doylestown PA.
I’m glad I found this site too! Seems the infamous J is now branching out to Chiropractors. I got the same envelope and sticky note as everyone else but mine had an article on how to bring in more patients. I thought it was from my friend Jamie, but then realized a) she doesn’t read financial papers b) Google searching could not find the name “Financial News Today” and c) the postmark is Colorado, I’m in Massachusetts. I don’t know anyone out that way. Best part is that I checked out the website for the free webinar. It’s given by some guy who looks like he’s 20 wearing a tie dye tee shirt, baseball hat, and has a scraggly beard. Yep, that makes me want to trust the company LOL
The letter is alive and well – and postmarked Lansing, Michigan: “Financial News – Sunday, January 29, 2012;” “typed” address, no return address; and the post-it addressed to me:
“Michael,
Thought you’d be interested!
J.”
I have scanned it as a PDF if you are interested – please let me know where to send it!
J is a POS scammer with whom I’d like to spend 5 minutes in a dark alley and show him or her the error of their ways. My mother got a letter like this and luckily, she brought it to me before trying to figure it out. If the OP that claims to be “J” is legit (which I doubt) I’d like to meet you face to face you dirt bag.