News Release: July 21, 2010


How Not to Be Swindled: Ten Tips

Andrea Reynolds, author of OutSmarting Sweetheart Swindlers and Jump Start Your Creative Genius, has been recovering money and property on behalf of swindled women and men for nearly 18 years. But she would rather teach people how not to be swindled and how to recover what was taken, not returned… through her book, online classes, and speaking engagements.

“Be proactive. Spend $11 now for a tips e-booklet I wrote, or spend up to $1500 to have me recover the thousands or hundreds of thousands you didn’t need to lose in the first place,” says the 61-year-old investigative journalist, creative brainstormer, and former public relations consultant. You can find
Andrea’s tips booklets and online classes only on her web site, AndreaReynolds.com

The catalyst for her service? Reynolds herself was
swindled in 1992 by a neighbor who swindled many others out of over $90,000. He went to prison, but not before she got back her $170 (payment for furniture she sold him) through creative persistence. She now uses that skill to do the same for others who have lost far more money, preferring to collaborate rather than use harassment or insults to achieve success.

Reynolds offers these basic tips:

1. Recognize your vulnerability to romantic overtures from smooth-talkers.
2. Trust only when it’s earned over time.
3. Don’t share your home or resources without prior investigation.
4. Put all promises in writing, signed and witnessed.
5. Learn the history of people you deal with, live with.
6. Don’t jump into physical, intimate relationships quickly.
7. Check out claims made to you before agreeing to anything.
8. Ask questions and expect answers you can check out.
9. Pay attention to your “gut” instincts, and heed them.
10. Document everything and keep in a safe place.
But most importantly… don’t be a rescuer.

300 words

Contact: Andrea Reynolds,
crisiswriter@gmail.com or 814.431.9278