Ryan Conklin

By Ryan Conklin, Wright & Moore Law

Can you think of a time you received a suspicious phone call, letter or email? Maybe the caller indicated you had a past-due loan that required payment? Or the letter or email said you could get a bunch of money with a few quick steps?

While these are more common fact patterns, unfortunately the range of potential scams is immense. Though traditionally associated with the elderly, scams often reach young people in the form of online shopping or phony investments.

In the spirit of the Halloween season, let’s talk about a few ways to guard against financial tricksters and mischief-makers.

If it’s too good to be true…

To be safe, if you get a phone call, letter or email, and you don’t recognize the sender, approach the interaction with a healthy dose of skepticism. In general, legitimate businesses are not reaching out to you to solicit sensitive information or quickly send you a $10,000 check. Online shopping or investment scams may be harder to spot. Significant markdowns on expensive items or quick and easy investment opportunities are red flags. 

Rapid responses are essential

Once you spot fraudulent activity, quick action is so important to contain the damage. Freezing credit cards, contacting your bank, stopping payments, reporting the event to an identity protection service, even notifying your insurance are key steps. If you can respond swiftly, you might be able to escape unscathed.  

Lean on familiar parties

If you have a trusted banking relationship, take a moment to meet with your banking team to discuss fraud prevention measures. This may include additional signers on an account, account alerts, and special account transfers. Your bank should have internal protections in place to protect your money. Also, second opinions from trusted advisers, family or friends can help you spot potential scams.

How about an emergency plan?

A durable power of attorney is one way for a family member to aid in the management of finances. However, those powers are limited. In severe circumstances where a person cannot understand the consequences of his/her actions, a guardianship may be necessary. A guardianship is a major step because it removes a person’s autonomy, but it could be a necessary protective measure. Consult your legal counsel before pursuing a guardianship.

Invest in security

If identity theft is a major concern or a recurring problem for your business or family, it might be worthwhile to invest in an identity protection service. These services can be customized depending on your goals and could provide great peace of mind. Furthermore, check with your insurance agent to see if your policy provides some reimbursement for losses. 

The use of your personal information by criminals is a scary proposition. Some people make their livelihood off scamming hard-working business owners and families. Like other areas of risk assessment, take a look at your exposure and determine if protective steps are necessary. 

Wright & Moore Law Co., LPA has a rich heritage in Ohio agriculture. Since 1988, our firm has proudly assisted farmers, rural residents, and landowners from all over the state with their farm succession planning and agricultural legal needs. We would be happy to discuss your family goals and how to meet them. To learn more about Wright & Moore or schedule a meeting, call 740-990-0750 or visit OhioFarmLaw.com.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
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Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
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Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
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Jody Brown Boyd

Brown's Family Farm Market

Finding farm labor
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
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David Thomas

Ashtabula County Auditor

CAUV: Past, present and future
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
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Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
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Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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