If it seems to good to be true. . .

You know the rest of that line, I'm sure. If it seems to good to be true. . .well. . .it probably is.

I'm always amazed at how many forwarded emails I receive promising me something--for nothing. Some of them seem harmless. Pass this email to eight people and you'll receive a cell phone or a laptop computer. Others that ask you to take a short survey and they'll deposit a lump of cash into your bank account. And even others ask for your help in smuggling money out of a country for a percentage.

Here's the catch though. Some are nothing more than bothersome urban legends that only waste your time. But in 2006, the Internet Crime Report showed that these kind of criminal activities targeting Americans had resulted in an estimated loss of almost two hundred million dollars. Thousands of people were scammed in such infamous con games like the Nigerian scam, fund transfer scams, and mail-order-brides.

That's two hundred million dollars people lost in one year. And this isn't a fictitious tale I'm spinning. Scary isn't it.

It's also the premise of one of my upcoming books due to hit the shelves next month.

Imagine finding out that your father has fallen victim to one of these long cons. After disposing of all his stocks, mortgaging his house, and maxing out his credit cards, George Taylor flies to Europe to meet with the man who promised him millions for his help in expediting funds out of West Africa. It’s a fortune he will never see.

When Lindsey Taylor tries to save her father from losing his life savings to the Internet scam, she discovers that losing everything you have isn’t the worst thing that can happen.


Take a quick sneak peek here for more information on FINAL DEPOSIT.

In the meantime, I'll also be posting some tips in the coming weeks as well as a chance for you to win a copy of the book. (See, there really are a few free things in the world that aren't scams!)

My tip for the day: It might seem elementary, but if something seems to good to be true, check it out. It just might save you a lot of heartache in the end.

Blessings,

Lisa