Original Message:
Voluntary "contributions"... (by KC):
stillintheb wrote:I agree wholeheartedly that the unwise volunteering of money as described above is, if already sent, essentially now just "lost money". It would basically be a non-tax deductible voluntary "donation". As far as the nature of the "multi-state" operation, I believe that I may be able to offer some insight into that particular matter.Congratulations. You have just lost your money. Sending a Western Union Money Order is the same as sending cash. If you have not sent it yet, then you should not. If you have, and it has not been cashed yet, use your receipt to cancel the Money Order. Why would a company based in DE want you to send money to Orlando,FL?
Since July of 2009 there has been legislation in Florida which, at least to a limited degree, regulates and controls all "upfront fee" listing services based in and operating within the state of Florida. However, a wily and cagey parasite operation seeking to escape the jurisdiction of the Florida Attorney General could simply set up "home base" for its' company in corporation-friendly Delaware (instead of Florida), thereby operating outside the reach and jurisdiction of the Florida Attorney General. Where the "volunteered" money gets sent would seem to be a detail subordinate to the fact that the company may actually be lawfully based in Delaware. This is a good case for (currently non-existent) FEDERAL legislation and regualtion which would apply throughout the ENTIRE USA.
Upfront fee money is NEVER money well spent --- Period, amen. The amount or method of payment or the location of the parasitic recipient are all details which do not in any way alter the indisputable fact that it's wasted money, highly unlikely to ever yield any results and highly unlikely to ever be refunded, either in whole or in part.
The old saying that "a fool and his money are soon parted" is one which (unfortunately) seems to proven correct time and time again. Regrettably, too many people seem to make the expensive mistake FIRST, then begin to do some belated research only AFTERWARD.