IT -- From Fishing To Phishing, Goal Is Same - Hook Something!

By Jeff Slack

Phishing. When I was growing up, I would have told you the word was spelled wrong. Fishing was done with a pole, line, a hook and bait. The idea was to relax in the outdoors and possibly obtain a tasty meal. Often, the bait was an innocent worm -- which has also taken on a nefarious definition -- will be discussed at another time.

Today, the term "Phishing" is defined by Wikpedia as "the act of sending an e-mail to a user, falsely claiming to be an established, legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft." It's the same idea . . . Uncrupullous individuals are fishing for your personal data. E-mail, however, isn't the only media used by phishers. Since their purpose is to obtain (i.e. -- steal) personal information on people for identity theft, they will try any method -- including going through your garbage. This isn't a highly technological method to use but it works for them. In fact, attorney general from several states have come across evidence in identity theft investigations that people in this country illegally -- working under the radar -- are being used to literally piece and tape together sheets of personal information that people tear once or twice and carelessly toss into the traash.

Other phishing methods used are conventional telephones (pre-recorded messages that tell you you've won something and ask for personal data to transfer your winnings) and postal mail.

The best defense against the phishers is to constantly be way of even the most innocent sounding scams, and careful in every way not to let anyone unknown have your personal information. When using the internet, each one of us needs to be sure of who we release information to -- either in email, instant messaging or the web sites we visit. Above all, find a way to verify that the recipient to whom you are sending information is indeed who you think they are. The scammers, unfortunately, are very good.

Be careful out there!!!

Jeff Slack is president of Amaxx Inc., a full service information technology and telephony solutions provider, headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. Email: jslack@amaxx.com.

TRAVEL -- European Cruising Explodes

By Mary Stephan

While Caribbean Cruise sales are flat, European cruising is experiencing an unprecedented growth. Bob Dickinson, CEO and President of Carnival has declared, The Mediterranean is the New Caribbean."

Why has European cruising taken off and the Caribbean flat lined? Analysts say there are several reasons:

New ships and new itineraries. Once upon a time European ships were old and dated. Yesteryears work horses. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have introduced new, sleek and modern ships with the amenities guests demand. Other lines such as Disney are re-positioning ships in the Mediterranean and making European cruising family friendly.
Many ships sailing a longer European season, from March through November.
Infrastructure upgrades. Again, Carnival and Royal Caribbean lead the way in infrastructure and port upgrades.

With the dollar to Euro exchange rate, cruising is a good value. Cruises are paid in American dollars and include lodging, meals and transportation. A similar land based vacation in Europe can cost twice the amount as a cruise.

Convenience, familiarity. The ability to travel with no packing and unpacking. English is spoken on board. Familiar food and customs.

Family Friendly. With more and more families vacationing, cruising is very family friendly. Onboard activities for kids and teens make this a great option for families.

Mary Stephan is a travel consultant with TravelEscapes in Westerville, Ohio. Email: mbs@columbus.rr.com

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE -- Leverage Or Pay All Cash?

By Brent Greer
Prudential CRES Commercial Real Estate

Recently, I received a number of emails from readers asking about debt. The consensus was that utilizing debt to purchase property (borrowing from a lender) isn't a hard-fast rule, its more a choice. I would agree. The words I use with my clients are "comfort level." It all depends on your comfort level. There is nothing wrong with purchasing investment property TO HOLD by paying all cash -- if you can swing it. You will still have the benefits of income, appreciation, depreciation and expense deduction. You just won't be able to leverage -- utilizing a lender's money, and you are tying up a large amount of personal capital.

One thing that amazes me in this ongoing discussion about debt taking place in our nation and around the water-cooler each day is how people will shudder at the thought of utilizing debt to purchase investment property. Yet they don't blink an eye at their consumer debt to buy "pretty things" that provide no income. And it is these impulse purchases on debt that is getting people into trouble, as they pile more and more charges onto their credit cards.

Leveraging a lender's money to purchase investment property is a smart approach. But ultimately, it is a personal choice.

It all comes down to each and every buyer's comfort level.

Brent Greer is an investment specialist in Columbus, Ohio with Prudential CRES Commercial Real Estate. Brent represents buyers and sellers of income-producing properties, particularly multi-family, land and office, and consults on IRS 1031 tax-deferred exchanges. Email: bgreer@prudentialcrescolumbus.com