News And WARNINGS!!

• We are exploring a new and completely different kind of web site: assistance with unusual problems regarding "being pre-homeless or already homeless and pursuing a hidden lifestyle, almost always out of a vehicle."  AN E-DOC will be linked which covers more than 8 years of traveling.  See it at http://www.studioclub.com by title of UNDETECTABLE HOMELESS.  Just click on that link....
• Discussions of personal, social, economic, medical, and legal system problems that are unique to those over 50, but not exclusively!
• Photos of ours -- and your photos of RVs, free parking places, favorite sites, any alternative housing method, self-employment strategies, etc. as you pursue an innovative life after traditional housing and employment have failed.
• All questions of quality will be given responses. Tell us about any scams, swindles, and schemes that have caused discrimination and victimization.

I "specialize" in research and writing about the UNdetectable homeless; I haven't spent much time discussing life problems with very visible "street people" or "bag ladies."  While I have worked in a shelter for battered women and occasionally have the opportunity to chat with women who have a serious mental challenge, my 35 years of locating, interviewing, and filming (locations) have been focused on the root causes of homelessness and the subsequent innovative practices of self-sufficiency which allow very functional (and I mean by that, stable folk who are not in lying in alleys, needing daily assistance for drug abuse or severe alchoholism) people to "hide" and therefore avoid detection and "the systems."  

Warnings:  I have been finding more and more scams, swindles, and fakers since this economic crisis. People panic and seek "help" wherever they think they can find it.

• 1) Do not buy Kevin Trudeau's Free Money (which "they" do not want you to know) book.  It is actually almost a hardbound pamphlet, since there are many pages just filled with lists of places in CA or NY to contact for grants or free money that is so specific (e.g., a baby stroller) that you can find the same information on the internet, many blank pages to make the book look thicker, and a host of information which is useless for most people.  Look to the internet for information re anything that you need, or call any Human Resources, Dept. of Aging, or other agency run by the government with the telephone number, usually an 800 one, offered, or email from the website.  Anything with the .gov ending/listing will provide what Trudeau says he has (that "they" don't want you to know).
•  2) Do not pay attention to the many so-called psychics' letters which promise you your "secret needs" -- if you send the psychic money. It's a home-based business (which is "commendable"!), but in fact, just a scam to get you to send money.  In addition, I have seen long letters with your name repeated many times to make you believe that you are "a special friend."  There is an invitation to belong to a Secret Association that will answer all of your needs.  The two scam artists' letters that I have copies of are from a Kirsten (signed Katie), with the address of a P.O. Box in Dover, DE, and a Maria Duval (Destiny Research Center) of Sparks, NV. Maria has such a long two-sided letter that one wonders where she gets the money for stamps.  From "you," of course!  Obviously, there is a list of suckers going around the country who have made contact with someone who has promised "the secrets to obtaining money" or needing psychic miracles. Indeed, these people have found a way to obtain money: "yours."  Maria is one who has several years of expertise in getting from $90 to at least $10 by selling you various items, including a Talismanor, something to hold with magical powers to provide you with everything from winning the lottery to saving your family from homelessness.  She obtains your personal information, and many have said she creates fake birth certificates that are sold to any user for credit cards, etc.  Just remember her name and throw away all letters.  Better yet, send them to a Fraud Squad of any state or federal agency.  She is suspected of not even living in NV, with other scammers using her name.  She and they all belong in prison.  And, you know that some con games are created right in prison, so there is always a "home-based" income!  I'm sure you know of other con artists.  Pass their schemes along immediately to everyone you know or put it on the internet.
• 3) Be aware of one company's business dealings: AVG: a virus protection plan for your computer.  While the protection may or may not work, the company only has a re-seller (Walling) which sends you the CD if you can't download (dial-up modem problem), and then if the system doesn't work on your computer, will not return your money for the CD.  Letters to J.R. Smith, apparently the CEO, go unanswered.
• You've heard it before and you'll hear it again: Facebook and MySpace may be "fun" for you and your kids, but more harm has been done than it's worth.  If you need friends that badly, go to any community-based organization and actually meet those whom you can validate.  If you are using these public forums in the belief that they are "protected from hackers" or for business purposes, you might get the opposite of what you are seeking.
• If you are "homeless" or traveling and using a public library or internet cafe`, do Log Off before you leave.  Anyone can use your information if you don't.

Do not hide in shame if you have been scammed.  It's more common than a cold.  Let others know about the latest schemes!

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