I was contacted by a reader recently who is on a campaign to raise awareness about disaster relief fraud. The US Government Accounting Office estimates that $1 billion in fraudulent claims were paid after Hurricane Katrina. In fact, the reader who wrote to me is still in a lawsuit involving victims of that disaster, of which she is one.One of the real problems with disaster … [Read more...] about Disaster Relief Fraud – two sides of the scam
Scrivenings
Expect the unexpected
Did you catch these travel stories? Travel agent Natalie Compagno gives a great tip to deal with credit card theft and travel writer Janet Brown talks about her nightmare taxi ride in Bangkok. With the launch this past week of “Kauai Temptations,” I decided that this week’s travel scam tip should focus on identity theft. Specifically, how my identity was stolen while we were … [Read more...] about Expect the unexpected
The Microsoft Email Award scam
Like this? Take a look at these other email scam posts. The Avaya Modular Messaging Scam and Bankruptcy services firm becomes latest email scam target On Oct. 23, the “Microsoft Online Email Award” notifications were sent out. The only problem is that this “award” is a scam. This particular email reads as follows: Final confirmationWe are delighted to announce that your … [Read more...] about The Microsoft Email Award scam
Helen Osterman – 8 novels and counting
Helen Osterman is a rare breed of novelist—never learned to type. In this interview, the author of eight books talks about her background as a nurse of 45 years and how she finds herself including “some kind of medical issue or moral issue in my books.” Osterman added, “Sometimes I don’t even realize I’m doing it.”As many authors do, Osterman has her protagonist dealing … [Read more...] about Helen Osterman – 8 novels and counting
Kauai Temptations Trailer is 82 seconds of fun
Wilson McKenna has never written a bad check in his life. So how did he end up with $4,000 in returned checks from an island he’s never been to? Now, the bank wants their money and he’s determined to track down the crook who's ruining his life. Before you can say “aloha,” he’s nearly arrested for impersonating himself, the woman who trashed his credit is dead, and he feels like … [Read more...] about Kauai Temptations Trailer is 82 seconds of fun