Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of critical evaluation and self-reliance when seeking financial advice or opportunities amidst a crisis-stricken world fraught with potential scams.

Abstract

In the midst of global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest over racial injustice, financial stability has become a significant concern for many. The article discusses the prevalence of dubious financial "gurus" who promise quick wealth through various work-from-home schemes and investment opportunities. It warns readers of the allure of these too-good-to-be-true offers, highlighting the necessity of thorough research and skepticism. The piece underscores the rarity of trustworthy advisors and the potential for fraud, even among those with credentials or personal connections. It encourages individuals to trust in their own judgment and due diligence to navigate the financial landscape successfully, advocating for resilience and personal responsibility in the face of financial decisions.

Opinions

The author suggests that despite the plethora of financial opportunities presented during crises, discerning legitimate options from scams is challenging.
There is a critical view of the so-called financial gurus who make extravagant claims about earning potential, implying that most of these offers are not credible.
The article expresses that personal research and verification are crucial steps before engaging with any financial program, especially those that promise high returns.
It is pointed out that even individuals with financial credentials, such as SEC-registered advisors, can be untrustworthy, reinforcing the need for personal vigilance.
The author recounts personal anecdotes to illustrate the consequences of misplaced trust in financial matters, emphasizing the importance of self-trust and financial literacy.
The piece concludes with an encouragement to remain committed and to not be easily swayed by grandiose claims, advocating for a cautious and informed approach to financial growth.

Who Can You Trust To Help You Make Money?

Trust In Yourself

Fear and uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic have spread throughout the world. On top of those problems, the issue of police brutality of Black men has been brought to the attention of the world once again. The tragic killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer and police killings of other Black people have flooded the news. The demonstrations and peaceful protests against racism have sometimes turned into riots and violence which have captured the interest of people around the world. In spite of all this, money is a big issue with so many people hurting financially through this crisis period.

The world is in turmoil. Earning money by investing may not be on people’s minds as survival is paramount. But with the pandemic, many people are looking for a way to earn money. They have suffered financially by losing jobs, income, and savings. They may be searching for anything to help them make some much needed money. Maybe they need to protect the money they have left and try to make it grow.

There are hundreds of ways touted to earn income by working from home with a business or investments. These include online businesses, affiliate marketing, writing, and stock investing among others.

Who can you trust when looking for a way to earn money through work or investing? Who will have your best interests at heart? Who will help you get ahead? Who will not cheat you? The sad truth is that it is very hard to tell who you can trust. The even sadder part is that it is very difficult to find someone you can trust who actually turns out to be trustworthy.

There are a lot of so called gurus out there sending emails everyday. They want you to trust them by signing up for their stock investing newsletters or their online business venture. They promise huge returns and make big claims. Their testimonials sound too good to be true. Perhaps they are. Yet some may be legitimate offers which work. It is difficult to tell what might be good and what are outright scams.

The wild and outrageous claims come via email everyday to millions of people. The claims which sound too good to be true likely are just that. Here are a few actual email offers.

* * * * *

Because of your good work, you are accepted today. You will be making 3k to 5k in just 24–48 hours just by following a few simple steps.

This man netted over $3 million in trading profits. He has averaged more than one 100% plus winner every day over the last 3 months. Now he wants to share his secrets with YOU.

You can earn a 1,000% return just by signing up with our program and following our instructions each week.

JB made $4,000 a week with this. YOU can too!

Do THIS to share in the outrageous fortunes of these millionaires.

WOW! Earn $8,000 in one week. Just sign up with us.

You have a payment of thousands of dollars coming to you. Just sign in to receive it.

* * * * *

Do those claims sound too good to be true? They absolutely do. Of course, they say that their offer is legitimate. Some claim that over 98% of the offers are bogus, but theirs is one of the few good ones. Who can you believe when they all say that? In addition, most of them charge large amounts of money for their offers to make you RICH.

The so-called gurus who are touting their programs and promising huge returns should not be listened to without doing your own research. With the Internet so readily available, it is relatively easy to find out about anything. You can look up reviews on the companies and offers to see if anyone has reported them as a scam. It is important not to fall for their outrageous claims without checking them out first. Some programs might be legitimate and worthwhile, but checking is a good idea. Also, try to make sure that there is a money back guarantee if you do sign up.

If the promises they make do come true, it would be a great opportunity and blessing. However, too often they are false promises which do not come to fruition and money is lost. If you do find something that works and pays out as claimed, you can consider yourself one of the lucky ones.

* * * * *

When I was a young, married man just finishing up my graduate degree, I was approached by a friend who was selling insurance. I bought a small policy which was supposed to grow. My brother in law also bought a policy. Later I had moved to another state and was approached by a man from my church who was selling insurance for the same company. He convinced me that I should make some changes to my policy in order to make a lot more money by doing something different with the dividends. I am sure now that he was just lining his own pockets as my policy is now worth very little while my brother in law’s policy is worth $50,000 in cash value. I mistakenly trusted someone who did not deserve the trust.

An elderly woman whose husband had died and left her with a $100,000 life insurance payment felt that she did not need the money immediately so she entrusted it with a friend who indicated that it could grow to a million dollars. Thinking that would be a nice sum to leave to her family, she invested the money with him. Before she saw any returns, the man was convicted of fraud and sent to prison. She trusted the wrong person and lost all her money. Be wary of who handles your money. You cannot always trust friends.

It is unfortunate that you cannot trust people who have worthy credentials as financial advisors and experts. A Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) press release of July 20, 2020, announced the arrest of a financial advisor from McLean, Virginia. He was charged with fraud. He allegedly falsified documents to effect dozens of unauthorized wire transfers from his firm’s customers to his personal bank account. He stole millions of dollars from investors. He used intricate methods to conceal his misconduct from his brokerage customers. He not only took money from elderly clients but also from 529-plan college savings accounts. It is unbelievable that people can think they can get away with such dishonest dealings. People trusted him to handle their money, and he failed them miserably.

* * * * *

Winning is the goal, of course, but fake claims and dead ends are prevalent to make people into losers instead. A lot of stress can come if a person falls for the wrong deal and listens to someone they should not have trusted. Minor setbacks can be overcome without major losses. Big losses can be devastating. It is tempting to listen to the so-called gurus with their fantastic claims. However, it is best to research and learn so that you can trust in yourself to make the best decisions.

Success requires a strong commitment. Make a determination to succeed. Keep trying and don’t give up too soon. It may take some failures along the way before true success arrives. You need to pay attention to your own finances or you could end up losing a lot of money. Be a winner. Trust in yourself above all.