Ag and Construction Targeted Scam info

Please pass this information on to anyone that you feel might benefit. I am a member of 2 different sheriff's reporting groups and received this information from 1 of them. I am sharing in the hopes that it might prevent bad things from happening to good people. Please contact your local law enforcement if anyone contacts you in a similar manner as is described below.

 

Brett,

 

As a member of the TRACE program, I wanted to enlighten you on an apparent scam that is taking place.

 

It appears that these individuals involved have purchased a mailing/subscription list from some farm publication companies. Therefore, they have a targeted audience.

 

As I am involved daily in agriculture, I have been one of their targets recently on 3 separate occasions.

 

The first involved a phone call 3 weeks ago, regarding the purchase on this new diesel fuel supplement that increases the fuel efficiency of vehicles, semi's, farm, and construction equipment. The scammers talk about it only being available in 55 gallon drums, but as the conversation goes on the order size drops to the ability to sell it in 1 gallon containers. This retails for $109. They have no supporting documentation, a website, testimonials, etc… When asked, they acknowledge the lack of documentation, but they tell you to "trust them". It is extremely high pressure sales from people with a northeastern accent as they are trying to get your account info. When I told them I wasn't interested, they turned extremely offensive and rude. The phone # shows up an "unknown number"

 

The second happened yesterday. It involves this new breakthrough in chemicals. It is a ground sterilant product that kills and controls plant regrowth for a period of 6 years. Once again, the scammers talk about it only being available in 55 gallon drums, but as the conversation goes on the order size drops to the ability to sell it in 1 gallon containers. This also retails for $109. The fellow did tell me about a website called www.harvestsupply.com, but when you go to the site; it's under construction. When I asked the fellow what the active ingredient is, he told me "Trimec".  Well Trimec is what you spray on your lawns for broadleaf control. When I pressured the scammer for the EPA registration label, the fellow started cursing me out and ended by calling me a ""f**king smuck".   The phone # that showed up on this individual is (631) 776-8043. I googled the area code and found it to be in upstate New York.

 

The third happened today, it was once again regarding the diesel fuel treatment, same deal as above. Push,Push,Push to get my account info to buy this stuff. When I told him I am not interested, this fellow also got very pissed off.

 

In conclusion, it's not just happening to me but others as well as they have a targeted ag/construction related audience. I felt it would be important to advise you of this. It is my hope that we may help some others who may be vulnerable from buying not only "snake oil", but giving out ones account info for a product that doesn't exist.

 

Thanks,

Miami County, KS farmer

(Name, address and phone withheld by TRACE for privacy)

 

TRACE has heard of one other occurrence of this type, attempting to sell the same product to a farmer in western Johnson County, KS.  NEVER give out your bank account number or credit card numbers over the telephone, to ANYBODY you don't know personally, even then be careful.  If you get a call like this one, ask for a demonstration or references like this person did.  You will find out right away if they are legitimate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you prepared?

Retirement Brings the Need for New Financial Solutions

Finances in retirement can be tricky.

Consider this statement from a Wall Street Journal article in February 2000: "Retirement is the great financial riddle. Think of the uncertainties. You don't know how long you will live. You don't know what investment returns you will earn. You have only a limited sum of money. And there are no second chances."

Yikes! What should you do to make sure you do well, no matter what happens?

Consider your experience. You have always had a natural progression in the financial products you have used.

When you were a child, you kept your money in a piggy bank. Why did you switch to a real bank? It was because you had more money and wanted to keep it safe and earn interest. Why did you later switch to other, more exotic places to grow your money? It was because you perceived that the long-term earnings potential outweighed the risks.

So let me ask you, what will be different now that you are retired or on the verge of retirement?

For example, what are the ramifications of needing to withdraw money for expenses while the market is down? If you have money in financial products with an uncertain return, there is a possibility of withdrawing too much and running out later.

Are you concerned about that risk? Annuities with guaranteed income benefits can address this risk and increase your comfort level in retirement.

Is there a possibility of incurring major care expenses and not having any insurance to cover them? Medicare doesn't cover most long-term nursing care or home health caretaker visits. Long-term care insurance can mitigate this risk and increase your financial security in retirement.

Just as you progressed from the piggy bank to the real bank and to more exotic financial products, many people progress to annuities with guaranteed income benefits. Just as you once saw the need to purchase health insurance, many people come to see the need to purchase long-term care insurance.

Contact me to think through these new risks, and I will help you stay financially secure.

I'm pleased to share this newsletter with you to keep in touch and pass along a few helpful tips. Please give me a call if you would like to discuss any of your insurance needs. Also, if you have questions regarding ways you can build your retirement assets or set up an effective retirement income flow, I can assist you. If you haven't scheduled an annual review yet, I encourage you to give me a call to get that set up so we can make sure all your goals are on track.

Tony Koehler
Koehler Froman Insurance Services, Inc.
403 Main Street
Warsaw, IL 62379
awkoehler@gmail.com
www.TonyKoehler4Life.com
217-919-0457

The information provided here has been taken from third party sources and is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. It is provided for informational purposes only.
Please click the following link if you no longer wish to receive these emails: https://webservices.natbrokers.com/tracking/Unsubscribe.aspx?leadID=754587

Stolen Horse, Henry Co. Missouri (repeat-announcement)

Please pass this along.

Mayito was stolen on 09-16-2010 in Henry County, Missouri (Clinton area) and reported on TRACE at that time.  His owner has been diligent in attempts to find him.  Please watch for this horse when going to auctions, sales or while travelling in your area.

If you have any information on Mayito, Please call the above number and the Henry County, Missouri Sheriff's Office at 660-885-5587, then email us at TRACE@jocogov.org

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**REMEMBER: IF YOU HAVE AND EMERGENCY OR NEED TO FILE A THEFT REPORT, CALL YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT FIRST, THEN send an email concerning your theft or suspicious activty to "TRACE@jocogov.org" and it will be relayed back to the members of TRACE. You can also go to www.jocosheriff.org, click on the TRACE icon and then click on "Report Activity". If you wish to "reply", your message will be sent to "trace@jocogov.org" automatically. Items contained in the above email are for public viewing, please feel free to forward.
If you wish to contact one of the TRACE detectives by phone, please call 913-715-5561. You may also leave a voice mail at that number.
***THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN "TRACE". REMEMBER, THIS PROGRAM IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE INFORMATION IT PRODUCES. PLEASE CONTINUE TO USE THE PROGRAM AND ASSIST US IN MEMBERSHIP BY SPREADING THE WORD TO YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS OF ITS EXISTENCE. MORE MEMBERS MEANS MORE INFORMATION, THANK YOU***

Are you using dangerous products?

3/27/2011

You do plenty of research before buying a car or computer. But you probably don't research personal care products.

We assume that the soap, cosmetics and toothpaste we buy are safe. Many of us reach for the least expensive product on the shelf.

Not so fast! These products may contain harmful ingredients. They may be associated with cancers. Or, they could be linked to birth defects and allergies.

So, it is a good idea to research personal care products before you buy. You want to know what risks are associated with a product.

Fortunately, such research needn't be difficult. Just head over to today's Cool Site.

You can enter the name of a product that you frequently use. Products receive an overall safety score.

You'll also see a list of dangers associated with the product. And be sure to check the ingredients breakdown. It provides the information you need to make an informed buying decision.

cosmeticsdatabase.com

Flood?

Taxes and Your Retirement

I'm pleased to share this newsletter with you to keep in touch and pass along a few helpful tips. It's important to regularly monitor your financial health and this will give you a few ideas on items you need to keep in mind. Please give me a call if you would like to discuss any of your insurance needs or your questions regarding ways you can build your retirement assets or set up an effective retirement income flow. If you haven't scheduled an annual review yet, I encourage you to give me a call to get that set up so we can make sure all your goals are on track. Taxes and Your Retirement Plan "In this world nothing is certain except death and taxes." -Benjamin Franklin When it comes to taxes, however, at least you can alter the timing a bit! If you are working in your career and believe that you will be paying a lower tax rate after you retire, it makes sense to delay taxes as much as you can. Participating in your employer's 401(k) plan can be a great way to delay taxes. So can making a traditional IRA contribution or opening an annuity. DELAY TAXES: 401(k) Traditional IRA Annuity AVOID FUTURE TAX INCREASES: Roth 401(k) Roth IRA Life Insurance On the other hand, if you see today's government budget deficits and believe you will be paying a higher tax rate in the future, you should consider participating in your employer's Roth 401(k) plan and converting your traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs. Since January 1, 2010, anyone - regardless of income - has been eligible to do a Roth IRA conversion. Such a conversion is basically a decision to pay taxes now to avoid paying potentially higher taxes later. Once your money is in a Roth IRA, you have the opportunity for it to grow completely free of any future income taxes. What if you are retired, above age 70½, and don't really like that you are forced to take required minimum distributions from your IRAs? If you plan to use your IRA to benefit your heirs, that may be best accomplished by using those unwanted distributions to buy life insurance. Since life insurance is paid free of income taxes, the life insurance would most likely provide a much higher after-tax payment to your children and grandchildren.

Tony Koehler Koehler Froman Insurance Services, Inc. 403 Main Street Warsaw, IL  62379 awkoehler@gmail.com www.TonyKoehler4Life.com 217-919-0457 The information provided here has been taken from third party sources and is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. It is provided for informational purposes only, and you should consult with a tax advisor for further information. Our organization does not provide tax advice.

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Taxes and Your Retirement

I'm pleased to share this newsletter with you to keep in touch and pass along a few helpful tips. It's important to regularly monitor your financial health and this will give you a few ideas on items you need to keep in mind. Please give me a call if you would like to discuss any of your insurance needs or your questions regarding ways you can build your retirement assets or set up an effective retirement income flow. If you haven't scheduled an annual review yet, I encourage you to give me a call to get that set up so we can make sure all your goals are on track.

Taxes and Your Retirement Plan

"In this world nothing is certain except death and taxes." -Benjamin Franklin

When it comes to taxes, however, at least you can alter the timing a bit!

If you are working in your career and believe that you will be paying a lower tax rate after you retire, it makes sense to delay taxes as much as you can. Participating in your employer's 401(k) plan can be a great way to delay taxes. So can making a traditional IRA contribution or opening an annuity.

DELAY TAXES:

401(k)
Traditional IRA
Annuity

AVOID FUTURE TAX INCREASES:

Roth 401(k)
Roth IRA
Life Insurance

On the other hand, if you see today's government budget deficits and believe you will be paying a higher tax rate in the future, you should consider participating in your employer's Roth 401(k) plan and converting your traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs.

Since January 1, 2010, anyone - regardless of income - has been eligible to do a Roth IRA conversion.

Such a conversion is basically a decision to pay taxes now to avoid paying potentially higher taxes later. Once your money is in a Roth IRA, you have the opportunity for it to grow completely free of any future income taxes.

What if you are retired, above age 70��, and don't really like that you are forced to take required minimum distributions from your IRAs? If you plan to use your IRA to benefit your heirs, that may be best accomplished by using those unwanted distributions to buy life insurance. Since life insurance is paid free of income taxes, the life insurance would most likely provide a much higher after-tax payment to your children and grandchildren.

Tony Koehler
Koehler Froman Insurance Services, Inc.
403 Main Street
Warsaw, IL 62379
awkoehler@gmail.com
www.TonyKoehler4Life.com
217-919-0457

The information provided here has been taken from third party sources and is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.
It is provided for informational purposes only, and you should consult with a tax advisor for further information.
Our organization does not provide tax advice.
Please click the following link if you no longer wish to receive these emails: https://www.natbrokers.com/services/tracking/Unsubscribe.aspx?leadID=754587

Newsletter--Information for You

What Interest Rate are You Earning on Your Savings? This is a tough time to be a saver. Take a look at some of these rates, which were gathered from various websites in May 2010: 0.40% 1-year Treasury bill 0.25% Chase Bank 1-year CD 0.10% Bank of America savings account 0.05% Wells Fargo Bank money market savings 0.01% Vanguard money market fund If you have money in these or similar accounts, you may be thinking, "Well, at least my money is safe." But actually, it isn't. Consider this. Every day, the prices of things you purchase inch up a little bit. You know what I'm talking about. You feel it at the gas pump. Or, one day you walk into your favorite restaurant, and all the entrees cost a dollar more. Or, you wonder how your groceries suddenly became so expensive. After all, you just bought a few things. The problem is that at these low interest rates, your money is losing purchasing power. It just adds insult to injury when you need to report this interest income on your tax return. If you really want to keep your money safe, please let me know. I can offer you retirement annuities that provide you a written guarantee of safety, backed by all the assets of a strong insurance company, together with an attractive interest rate. Annuities offer a balanced approach to maintaining and growing the purchasing power of your money. If your money is earning a rate like those you see above, it is time to look at another option. An annuity just may help you prosper.

I'm pleased to share this newsletter with you to keep in touch and pass along a few helpful tips. Please give me a call if you would like to discuss any of your insurance needs. Also, if you have questions regarding ways you can build your retirement assets or set up an effective retirement income flow, I can assist you. If you haven't scheduled an annual review yet, I encourage you to give me a call to get that set up so we can make sure all your goals are on track. Tony Koehler Koehler Froman Insurance Services, Inc. 403 Main Street Warsaw, IL  62379 awkoehler@gmail.com www.TonyKoehler4Life.com 217-919-0457 The information provided here has been taken from third party sources and is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed. It is provided for informational purposes only.

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Flood Risk this Spring? Don't forget you have to wait 30 days for a flood policy.

Weather experts predict major flooding in Midwest

By Doyle Rice, USA TODAY

Updated 4h 44m ago |

 14 |  1

Reprints & Permissions

Millions of people in the Midwest are at risk from major flooding this spring, according to a forecast being released Friday by the National Weather Service.

A huge part of the north-central USA, including the cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, St. Louis, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and Fargo and Grand Forks, N.D., could see "significant" flooding.

"Excessive precipitation, mainly in the form of snow, coupled with continuously frigid temperatures, has yielded a thick snowpack in much of the upper Midwest," says Lynn Maximuk, central region director of the National Weather Service in Kansas City, Mo. "We expect significant flooding when this snow begins to melt."

Forecasters say the flooding could start as early as mid-March and last well into April.

For the third straight year, experts are warning of "moderate" to "major" flooding along the Red River of the North, which would again swamp the flood-plagued city of Fargo, N.D., and its neighbor across the river, Moorhead, Minn.

In Cass County, N.D., which includes Fargo, Sheriff Paul Laney described the latest flooding predictions as "concerning" and "spooky."

"We've always been able to win, we've always been able to fight it," Laney said. "We'll continue to fight it, but every spring brings out its own new set of rules to the game."

Spring flooding risk

Fargo has received almost 5 feet of snow this winter — nearly 2 feet above its average for an entire winter season, the weather service reported. That comes on top of summer and fall rain that was 50% above average.

Forecasts for much of the region continue to call for a cold and snowy remainder of February, which will cause the snowpack to grow. In March and April, as temperatures rise and the snow melts, frozen ground and saturated soil will enhance runoff, causing streams and rivers to swell.

So, with floods in three straight years and four of the last six across the region, what's going on?

"Part of the problem is that it's been so wet for several years," says weather service hydrologist Noreen Schwein. "The moisture in the soil going into the fall has been wetter every year. There hasn't been a good chance to dry out."

In northeastern North Dakota, near Devils Lake, Schwein said there has been a decades-long trend of unusually wet weather that has lasted since 1990.

Some of the spring forecast lowlights include:

•Fargo has about a 95% chance of exceeding major flood stage of 30 feet — and a 15-20% chance of reaching or exceeding the 40.84 -foot record set in 2009.

•St. Paul has about a 95% chance of exceeding major flood stage of 17 feet.

•Grand Forks, N.D., has a greater than 95% chance of exceeding major flood stage of 46 feet.

•Devils Lake at Minnewaukan, N.D., has about a 40% chance of exceeding 1,455 feet, which could partially inundate portions of the town.

The weather service will release an updated national spring flood outlook on March 17.