By Gary Barg

I heard from my friend Phil last week. He was in town for a conference and wanted to know if we could have dinner while he was in Florida (where I live). I was happy to comply; Phil was one of my best friends when I lived in North Carolina.

We went to dinner and discussed the events of our lives which had occurred since our last meeting a few years ago. Phil’s parents are both living; although his dad’s recent health issues included a small stroke. Phil’s dad, a retired Marine Colonel who prides himself on his judgment and independence as well as his ability to read any situation and act accordingly, had been experiencing rather severe depression since the stroke. Phil related a scenario where his dad had become victim to a door-to-door sales scam to which he would otherwise have never been prey.

Among the other problems with the deal was the fact that Phil’s dad signed a contract stating that the transaction took place in an office rather than at home, where it did transpire, which led to his losing some rights accorded by law. Phil’s dad signed the contract on the same day it was presented because “he did not want to be a bother” to Phil or his siblings.

It seems almost impossible that there would be that level of (saying it kindly) nefarious folks, who would spend their day trying to take advantage of our loved ones, but they are out there, and they are working hard trying to profit from our pain. We must make a point of telling our loved ones that there is no shame in telling any salesperson, “I cannot sign anything until I talk it over with my family,” or better yet “…until I speak with my attorney.”

This one sentence would send most of the bad guys running to the hills. Make sure that within this conversation with your loved ones, you let them know that you still respect their opinions and maybe even tell them that you want to talk over some of your personal or business decisions with them, as well.

One small suggestion: make up a card with your contact information, or hand your parents a stack of your business cards, instructing them to give one to whomever comes to the door looking for a signature, saying, “I need to talk this over with my business partner first.”   

And see how fast them varmints run for the hills.