The couple believed, after all, that since the man didn't ask them to get involved, and that he even balked a bit by insisting that friendship and business don't mix, that he was trustworthy. Of course, the acquaintance did accept their proposal and a tangible business deal was structured.
The couple brought the deal to their financial advisor, who saw the legitimate business structure but immediately objected, posing one simple question: "How do you know this person?" The advisor was street savvy and talked the couple into investigating their new partner's identity and background.
What the couple found out was that their new acquaintance was part of a criminal enterprise setting up a money laundering operation through a legitimate business enterprise. The person's real name was not what he claimed, and he had been at this for a long time. In mastering his deception, he had left a trail of records of his past unsuccessful attempts. He had a gambling addiction and, of course, a criminal record.
Although the stranger hadn't actually done anything illegal up to that point, the couple found a way to back out, citing personal reasons.
The moral of this story is, "Believe half of what you see and nothing of what you hear!" Demand proof and investigate!
Mitch
Gitter is president of Defender Security Services, a leading provider
of crisis management, investigative and protection services for the
high-net-worth community. He can be reached at [email protected].