Posted by jonathan on September 15th, 2008
Another Step Against Offshore Scam! – says Jonathan Curshen
Filed under: offshore
Offshore investments have long been touted as a way to get a better return on your money and also pay less tax. In plenty of cases that can be true. But there are also many scam artists out there ready to take your money with the promise of high-return offshore investments that are simply fakes.
It all sounds very plausible. You might be in your late thirties or early forties, looking to build your nest egg of savings for retirement (the most common victims of this scam). You read the brochures; you might even attend a seminar about it with other potential investors.
Everything looks good, so you write a cheque for upwards of £10,000 and take great pleasure in reading the quarterly statements and seeing how your savings are increasing. It might even make you dream of early retirement.
How To Avoid The Scam
* Ask yourself why such a scheme would be touted on e-mail spam if it was so good.
* Remember that there’s no such thing as a high return on an investment without a high risk.
* Don’t believe whatever you’re told. Investigate the claims and the company. Are they registered in the country where they claim to be based? Who are the directors?
* How exactly does the investment claim to make its money? Always make sure you fully understand the workings first.
* Have everything vetted by an independent professional, an accountant or financial advisor. Take legal documents to a lawyer before signing.
* Never let yourself be pressured into signing a contract at a presentation.
* Can you withdraw your money easily and quickly?
* Make sure you know the legal and tax position on offshore investments.
* Think twice, then think again before investing any of your money! Make absolutely certain the company you’re dealing with is legitimate.
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