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Don't Get Scammed! Essential Tips to Avoid Gift Card Fraud

by Eric Seyboldt

Gift card scams are on the rise, with fraudsters constantly devising new ways to dupe unsuspecting victims. Let's examine the top three gift card scams, provide real-world examples, and offer advice on how to steer clear of these cunning ploys.

Impersonation Scams

These scammers pose as representatives from trusted entities like the IRS, utility providers, or tech support. They contact you, create a sense of urgency, and claim you must pay immediately using gift cards to avoid dire consequences.

Real-Life Example:

Susan, a retiree, received a call from someone claiming to be an IRS agent. The caller insisted she owed back taxes and needed to pay immediately with gift cards to avoid arrest. Frightened, Susan purchased $2,000 worth of gift cards and provided the codes to the scammer over the phone.

How to Avoid It:

• Verify independently: End the call and contact the organization directly using their official information.

• Recognize red flags: Legitimate organizations never request payment via gift cards.

Online Marketplace Scams

In this scheme, scammers list fake products or services on online marketplaces and demand gift card payments. Once they obtain the gift card details, they vanish, leaving you empty-handed.

Real-Life Example:

John, an online shopper, spotted a great deal on a high-end laptop. The seller insisted on gift card payment, citing issues with their PayPal account. After sending $500 worth of gift cards, John never received the laptop, and the seller disappeared.

How to Avoid It:

• Use secure payment methods: Opt for payment options that offer buyer protection, such as credit cards or PayPal.

• Investigate the seller: Review the seller's profile feedback before making a purchase.

Phishing Scams

Scammers send messages pretending to be from reputable companies or acquaintances, requesting gift card purchases for supposed emergencies or favors. These messages often create urgency and appeal to your goodwill.

Real-Life Example:

Emily received an urgent email seemingly from her boss, requesting gift card purchases for a company event. The email appeared genuine, using her boss's name and signature. Without verifying, Emily bought $1,000 in gift cards and sent the codes to the scammer.

How to Avoid It:

• Confirm requests: If you receive an unexpected gift card request, verify it with the person directly through a different communication channel.

• Be wary of urgent demands: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into quick action.

Helpful Resources

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): FTC Consumer Information on Gift Card Scams

• AARP Fraud Watch Network: AARP Fraud Prevention Tips

Gift card scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting people of all ages and backgrounds. By staying alert and informed, you can protect yourself and others from these deceptive practices. Always verify unsolicited gift card payment requests, use secure payment methods, and stay updated on the latest scam tactics. Remember, awareness is your best defense against fraud. For more information and tips on preventing scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission and AARP Fraud Watch Network websites. Stay vigilant and informed to keep yourself safe.

Reach out to us for a complimentary, 10-minute consultation call. Let's explore together how we can help you protect your assets, ensuring your golden years are as fulfilling and worry-free as you’ve always imagined. Email Eric at [email protected] or give us a call today to schedule your consultation. Let's make your retirement dreams a reality!

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Elevating Your Tasting Experience

by Andrew Newby

If you pride yourself on being a Bourbon aficionado, you likely don't just gulp down this liquid gold without savoring its complexities. Whether it's Weller, Elijah Craig, Woodford Reserve, or Michter's that graces your glass, there's a high probability that you're not extracting its full value. The art of Bourbon tasting is a nuanced skill, one that even seasoned drinkers may not fully grasp.

The Professional Approach

Fear not, we're here to guide you through the labyrinth of Bourbon tasting, much like any whiskey-tasting course or distillery tour would. Each step in this process is crucial; miss one, and you're not doing justice to your investment in that prized bottle of Bourbon.

While not a deal-breaker, the right glassware can significantly enhance your tasting experience. The Glencairn glass, with its rounded bottom and narrow top, is ideal for concentrating aromas and facilitating swirling. Alternatively, a tulip-style glass can also serve the purpose well. Begin by pouring a modest 2-ounce serving into your chosen glass. Observe the hue; is it amber or mahogany? The color can offer insights into the Bourbon's age and, consequently, its complexity.

A gentle swirl can reveal the Bourbon's 'legs,' indicating its viscosity and alcohol content. This action also helps to release the spirit's aromas. Contrary to popular belief, nosing starts with your mouth slightly open to prevent the alcohol from overwhelming your sense of smell. The aromas you detect can range from heat and spices to more complex scents like vanilla or toffee. Your first few sips are more about acclimating your palate to the Bourbon's heat. Once that initial burn subsides, the real tasting begins.

Hold the Bourbon in your mouth for 20-30 seconds, allowing it to envelop your tongue. Inhale some air after swallowing to reveal additional flavors. Some enthusiasts even employ the "Kentucky chew" to further explore the spirit's complexities. For cask-strength or high-proof Bourbons, adding a few drops of water can open up new dimensions in the tasting experience. Finally, relish the aftertaste. Is it warming? What flavors linger? This is the moment to savor the return on your Bourbon investment.

The Joy of Tasting

Remember, while the process may seem intricate, the ultimate goal is enjoyment. Your palate is unique, and the flavors and aromas you detect add to the fun of the experience. After all, a well-informed investor is a successful one.

About the Author

Andrew Newby

Andrew is a passionate entrepreneur and experienced tech strategist with a deep love for the Bourbon industry. As the CEO of The Bourbon Reserve, he leads the charge in navigating the exciting world of Bourbon investments. Andrew's entrepreneurial spirit extends to co-founding The Toledo Spirits Co. and HEAVY Beer Co., where he has played an instrumental role in their growth and success. Alongside his ventures in the spirits industry, Andrew boasts a strong background in software product development, making him a versatile leader in both the Bourbon and tech worlds.

Fixed annuities can be an essential component of a well-rounded retirement strategy, offering security, predictability, and efficiency in financial planning.

Here are current fixed annuity rates and their durations from Top A-rated carriers (subject to change at any time, not FDIC insured):

Rates Are Holding!

3-year: 5.70% (under $100k Deposited)

3-year: 5.85% (over $100k Deposited)

5-year: 5.70% (under $100k Deposited)

5-year: 6.10% (over $100k Deposited)

Please feel free to email Eric at [email protected] if you’d like to ask any questions or request information on these fixed annuities or other retirement topics that are on your mind.

REAL ASSETS, Invest Like the Ultra-Wealthy

REAL, PHYSICAL ASSETS: Have You Called Us Yet to Explore Gold or Bourbon as an Addition to Your Portfolio?

Investors are increasingly turning to physical assets to protect their retirement funds amid economic uncertainty. Gold and unique options like bourbon barrels are gaining popularity. These concrete investments shield against the impacts of excessive currency production and rising prices. They also add variety to portfolios during calmer economic times.

Tangible assets have consistently outperformed other investments during economic downturns and unstable periods throughout history. They offer reliable protection against potential financial upheavals. Adding physical assets to your investment mix can be both prudent and rewarding.

Given the current economic climate, investing in tangible assets might be a smart move to keep your financial plans on track. Curious about how these physical investments could enhance your portfolio? Let's examine the possibilities together and lay the groundwork for a stable and prosperous retirement!

Allocating funds into the asset class known as “Real Assets” may be a strategy that you should consider.

Ask us how to Rollover a portion of Your IRA or 401k To A BOURBON IRA (www.bourbon.fund/how-it-works/) or a GOLD IRA (see link below) and:

• Safeguard your assets from the collapsing dollar

• Incorporate the ‘REAL ASSET’ class into your portfolio like the ultra-wealthy

• Hedge against the current high-inflation conditions

• Protect your retirement assets against economic crises

Just get in touch. We make it easier than ever.

Feedback or Questions?

You’re invited to get in touch with us if you’d like to find out how the Novus Financial Group can help you on your journey to a happy, fulfilling life in Retirement.

We have a lot of great information, as well as podcasts from our radio show ‘The Financial Insider’, and tools on our website -www.novusfg.com.

[email protected]www.novusfg.com[email protected]

Office: 614-943-2265

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Investment advisory services are offered by duly registered individuals on behalf of CreativeOne Wealth, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser. CreativeOne Wealth, LLC and Novus Financial Group are unaffiliated entities.

The content we provide here isn’t financial advice and cannot be taken as such. Please speak to your financial advisor before making any investment decision. Also, note that every investment comes with its risks and drawbacks. Lastly, we would like to remind you that past results cannot guarantee future returns.

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