Don’t Hire This Guy

Norb Vonnegut | March 5, 2010

For Psychic, Suit Came as Surprise
You know there’s a problem when your money manager:

Claims to be today’s Nostradamus;
Names his company, Magic Eight Ball Distributing;
Runs a website with wellness products like “Holy Tea.”

According to the SEC and The New York Times, “America’s Prophet” may be “America’s Fraud.” You can find a copy of the lawsuit against [...]

Financial Fraud 101

Norb Vonnegut | February 15, 2010

Scams: Pigeon Fever
Sixty Minutes ran a terrific story last night on financial scams. Conclusions:

Ponzi schemes are alive and thriving
Gullability is here to stay.
“Affiliation marketing” is the way con artists find you—at church, the country club, you get the picture.

Watch CBS News Videos Online
Last year, I posted the Top Ten Ways to Spot Financial Fraud. Check [...]

How To Do a Perp Walk

Norb Vonnegut | January 27, 2010

It’s Worst Case Wednesday. And here’s the advice column I promised last week. Consider the following scenario: You’re at your desk, drinking $5 Starbucks and listening to the morning call. Three burly guys—Mack Truck faces—appear from nowhere on the trading floor. They’re miked up, wearing earbuds that stream deep inside their wrinkled jackets.

Watch CBS News Videos [...]