Corb7 International December 7th, 2022 Newsletter

---

International Business 

Editor's Note

 Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

Be Aware of Cyber Scams!

The year-end holiday rush is upon us. Unfortunately, so is the risk of cyber attacks and scams. Take a few precautions to protect yourself. 

In a relatively short period of time, the internet has changed the way people live. Things that might have been unimaginable as recently as a quarter century ago are now ingrained in daily life. For instance, few people in the late 1990s might have imagined a day when billions of people across the globe would be walking around with mini computers capable of taking hi-resolution photos in their pockets. But smartphones have long since become an accepted and vital part of life in the 21st century.

The internet has opened doors to new possibilities, but it's also left other doors open for cybercriminals. Any home with an internet connection is potentially vulnerable to internet scams. Recognition of that fact and awareness of the following scams can reduce the likelihood of being victimized by opportunistic cybercriminals.

· Disaster relief scams: Human beings' innate sense of compassion is on full display in the aftermath of natural disasters, when people across the globe typically donate hundreds of millions of dollars in an effort to help people whose lives have been turned upside down by hurricanes, tsunamis and other devastating events. But skilled cybercriminals prey on that compassion by setting up bogus relief efforts. Such efforts may involve fake charities with names that are similar but slightly different than well-known, legitimate nonprofit organizations. Operations such as Charity Navigator make it easy to verify if a charitable organization is legitimate, and would-be donors should utilize such resources prior to making any donations.

· Phishing scams: Phishing scams are among the oldest cyber scams, but they still nab victims every day. The Federal Trade Commission warns that many phishing scams are conducted via email or text messages and inform potential victims that there is an issue with their finances. Some may say there are issues with a bank account, credit card or even a tax return. Skeptics may wonder how anyone could fall for a phishing scam in the age of two-factor authentication and other security measures. However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that phishing scams cost victims nearly $60 million in a recent report, indicating they're still a lucrative source of income for cybercriminals.

· Formjacking: Formjacking is a retail-based scam in which online shoppers' personal and financial information is stolen. In such instances, a retail website could be hacked without users' knowledge. When it comes time to purchase items they've placed in their carts, users are redirected to a fraudulent payment page, where they enter personal information, such as their credit card number, that cybercriminals then steal. When buying items online, shoppers should confirm that the URL on the payment page aligns with the retailer they're buying from. If the URL is missing even a single letter (think Amzon.com instead of Amazon.com), then chances are a formjacking scam is being operated.

Tech support scams, in which users are asked to download applications to fix an infected computer, and similar download-based fake antivirus software scams are some additional examples of cyber scams. Users are urged to be on the lookout for each of these types of scams and exercise caution whenever something doesn't seem right or authentic. 

Here are a few precautions offered by Wells Fargo Technology.

Pay Securely:  Use a reputable third-party pay service such as PayPal, Zelle or Venmo.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Only shop on a secured internet connection.

Update Your Software:  New computer viruses circulate every day and the best way to stay ahead of them is to install regular updates.

Check Your Statements:  Review banking and credit card statements regularly for discrepancies.
Use One Credit Card:  This limits exposure to fraud and theft.

---

International Business 

Business Psychology

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Did You Know?

-------

According to a study published in the journal Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry, in a given year about 5 percent of the population of the United States experiences seasonal depression, a condition also known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. A separate study published in the journal BMC Psychiatry in 2021 found that 12.7 percent of students attending higher education or vocational schools who responded to a survey showed SAD. The organization Mental Health America notes that SAD is a subtype of depression or bipolar disorder that occurs and ends around the same time every year, typically beginning in fall and continuing into the winter. Curiously, the study published in Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry found that the main age of onset of seasonal depression is between 20 and 30. 

---

International Business 

Cross-Border Business 

Misleading STC Internet Offers 

The Cost of Misleading Swiss Trust Company offers.  

-------

At least 3-4 times a week we receive an inquiry looking for a Vintage Swiss Trust Company  that has an existing bank account and an SRO (Self-Regulatory Organization) designation.  Inevitably, the potential client has seen an offer on the internet making these claims and is now convinced that this is what they need and it is the best option.   These offers might not be scams but they come darn pretty close.  Therefore,  we thought it important to call out the following details to save you time and money.  Plus, these offers are so far in a "gray" area that potential regulatory problems seem a real possibility.  

Here is the truth.  

Bank Accounts:

There are many posts on the Internet that claim to have “already established” bank accounts for Swiss Trust Companies that will transfer to new ownership of the company.  This is nothing more than a sale gimmick with no real value. 


Regarding Swiss Trust Companies with change of ownership, it is true that there has been some recent easing by Swiss Banks.  As such, an existing account is no longer automatically closed when ownership changes but rather suspended until the KYC compliance of the new owners has been successfully concluded.  In any case, there really is no strategic advantage for new ownership to have an existing bank account since you will still need to go through the same protocols.  Therefore, an existing account does not save you time, money, or the need to travel to meet with the bankers and your administrators.   


SROs:

SROs are a professional designation and therefore cannot be held by a company but rather if needed, must be maintained by a living person who is a “post holder” of the company. Again, when you see this on the internet it is nothing more than a sales gimmick. 
 
The above information has been repeatedly verified with our attorney & financial representatives in Zurich.  For more information, please see the last section of this newsletter. 

---

International Business

Business Etiquette

Rebuilding Communication with Family

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette 


 When the ties that bind us reach a breaking point, we know that rebuilding communications with family members is a priority. Communication bridges link us to one another, but they tend to rip apart when trust has been lost or compromised.

Someone didn’t keep their word, information was hidden, lies were told, a mistake was made and not admitted to – any of these occasions create a situation in the family when the harmed person withdraws or becomes defensive and unfriendly. When family members pull away it’s often the case that resentment has set in.

Restoring Trust

Even though the other person may have done something really awful, in rebuilding communications with family, acknowledging errors that you have made will be critical for your etiquette-ful approach in forgiveness and thinking long-term.

The only way to restore trust and go forward is through repaired communications. As you’ve taken on the role of initiating good relationship with the family member on the outs, the first things to ask yourself are:

1- Am I clear and confident in my purpose? (Part of which is to offer the hope of getting them talking again.)
2- Am I willing to leave a wide communication lane for the person so that they don’t misperceive the bridge to be one-sided only?
3- Am I approaching the whole restoration project with a heart of etiquette-fulness – with respect, kindness, ready to let the other person go first, letting go of any defensiveness I may have?

Tools for Rebuilding Communications with Family

When the family member who has withdrawn agrees to meet and a time and place have been set, greet with a smile and thankfulness that they are willing to get together to talk. Aim to be direct and discreet.

• Choose an environment where it’s comfortable and communicate that you hope you each can feel safe to speak freely. (If you sense there will be a “rolling of the eyes” when you suggest this, you might come prepared to offer to use a timer. Ask the other person to play the role of timer.) Dialogue is the goal.
• Acknowledge there a problem. (Be sure to have thought this through.)
  “Joan, we’ve gone through some hard times. It feels ask if communication lines are totally down. I hope we can come to understand and make things better.”
  “Rory, somehow after Aunt Mary’s last Thanksgiving dinner, I’ve sensed that something was broken between us.”
• Their perceptions and feelings are as valid as yours. Be open.
• Share the emotions you’ve had around the issue of the withdrawal, but do not blame.
• Be ready for the fact that there might be many “agree to disagree” moments.
• Never raise your voice and avoid sighs of frustration.
• If a specific issue requires a decision, make compromise the goal.

You may need to establish what you need going forward: truthfulness, kindness, promise to RSVP invitations, and even agreement of what’s okay to post on social media pertaining to the family. But patience on your part with go a long way in rebuilding communications with family members. 

---

Lifestyle

Executive Fitness  

Holiday Gift Ideas Your Athlete

Suggestions for the family athlete. 

-------

Holiday shoppers know that few things can match the joy of finding the perfect gift for a loved one. Whether that loved one is a tiny tot who can't wait to unwrap this year's must-have toy or an adult hoping to find the latest gadget under the tree on Christmas morning, the thrill of giving a great gift is part of what makes the holiday season so enjoyable.

Friends and family members may fall into certain categories, and that can make holiday shopping a little easier. For example, loved ones who can't wait to sit down with a good book would no doubt appreciate a new e-reader or the latest bestseller. When it comes to gifting the family athlete, the following ideas can provide the inspiration shoppers need to put a smile on the face of fitness-minded friends and family members .

· Weighted vest: Weighted vests have gained popularity in recent years. Available from a variety of manufacturers and for athletes of varying skill levels, weighted vests can be ideal for athletes who want to burn more calories and build strength during their workouts. This can be an especially useful gift for endurance athletes who want their training sessions to mimic the challenges posed by nature or difficult competitive terrains.

· Noise-canceling headphones or earbuds: Many athletes relish their workouts not only as opportunities to zero in on their fitness goals, but also as chances to block out distractions and clear their heads for an hour or two each day. Noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds effectively block out external noises, allowing athletes to direct all of their focus on their workouts and training sessions.

· Energy drinks: Though it might not seem like the most exciting gift to unwrap on Christmas morning, energy drinks are vital to many fitness enthusiasts' athletic endeavors. For example, endurance athletes may appreciate a tub of Osmo Active Hydration Performance Drink Mix, which contains an optimal ratio of sucrose, glucose and electrolytes, helping athletes improve their endurance and power while reducing instances of cramping and fatigue. Energy drinks make for a perfect stocking stuffer.

· Home gym equipment: Pandemic-related gym closures turned athletes into their own personal trainers, and some may not want to return to local fitness facilities even now that they've safely reopened. Home gym equipment can help athletes continue to build their own private home gyms, making items like kettle bells, dumbbells, weight benches, and resistance bands great items to put under the tree this holiday season.

It's never been easier to shop for the family athlete during the holiday season. A heightened focus on fitness ensures there's something for every type of athlete on your holiday shopping list. 

---

Lifestyle

Spirits & Cuisine

Slow Cooking for Easy Holiday Meals

Crock-Pots since 1940. 

-------  

Kitchen gadgets come and go, but one mainstay continues to deliver tasty meals with ease.

The Crock-Pot®, dubbed the original slow cooker, was invented in 1940 by Irving Nachumsohn. This slow cooker was created to cook a traditional stew eaten on the Jewish sabbath. Because faithful Jews are forbidden from cooking on the sabbath, Nachumsohn found the stew could easily be prepared prior and allowed to cook unattended, then carried to dinner, meeting the sabbath requirements. It was another 30 years before the slow cooker garnered widespread acclaim. That newfound popularity developed when more women entered the workforce and needed convenient ways to prepare meals at home without affecting their work schedules.

While slow cookers can make for successful meals, knowing how to use them to their fullest potential can increase the propensity for delicious, easy dishes. Here are some tips and tricks.

· Prepare ingredients the night before. By handling the items for recipes the evening prior, you'll have everything you need ready to put in the slow cooker and set to cook for the day.

· Preheat the cooker. Add ingredients to a slow cooker that is already warmed up for best results.

· Arrange for easy cleanup. Specially designed slow cooker liners can cut washing time dramatically and help prolong the surface of the internal crock.

· Don't add dairy until the meal is almost finished cooking. Cooking dairy products for long periods of time can cause them to curdle. Save them for the last steps when using a slow cooker.

· Exercise caution with tender veggies. The same wait-until-later approach should also apply to vegetables, beans and pastas, which can lose their integrity and become mushy if cooked for hours. Leave them for last.

· Inexpensive cuts of meat are fine. Inexpensive cuts are often high in fat or connective tissue, which will break down during long, moist cooking. Consider browning meat before putting it in the cooker for even more flavor.

· Layer ingredients appropriately. Place hard ingredients like potatoes, carrots and other root vegetables at the bottom of the cooker where they will cook more readily.

· Stick to the low setting. As much as possible, cook using the low setting to allow for slow, gentle heat to bring out the flavors. Ginny Thomas, a training manager for Crock-Pot®, says she has been sticking with this advice for over a decade as a key tip.

Many traditionally prepared meals can be converted to slow cooker recipes. Utilize cookbooks and online resources to make delicious, slow-cooked meals.

---

Lifestyle

 Leisure  

 Prolong the Life of Your Poinsettias

Proper care tips.  

-------
 

With proper care poinsettia plants can continue to thrive and bring warmth and beauty to a home long after the holiday decorations have been tucked away.

Poinsettias and their rich red, white or variegated color schemes are the ideal backdrop for Christmas celebrations. In fact, poinsettias are among the most popular decorative flowers during the holiday season.

According to a recent USDA Floriculture Statistics report, poinsettias accounted for about one-quarter (23 percent) of all flowering potted plant sales that year. Roughly 34 million poinsettia plants are sold in a given season. Indigenous to Central America, the plant was introduced to North America in the 1820s when Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, brought the red-and-green plant back with him from a trip abroad.

While millions of poinsettias will be purchased for the holiday season, many mistakenly think their utility ends once New Year's Day has come and gone. But with proper care poinsettia plants can continue to thrive and bring warmth and beauty to a home long after the holiday decorations have been tucked away.

· Choose a hearty plant. Experts with the University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science say that many people mistake the plant's leaves for its flowers. The red, white or pink bracts are actually modified leaves. The flowers of the plant are the yellow clustered buds in the center called "cyathia." Choose poinsettia plants that have buds which are, ideally, not yet open.

· Keep the temperature consistent. Poinsettias prefer a room temperature between 60 and 68 F during the day and 10 degrees cooler at night. Humidity levels between 20 and 50 percent are ideal. Group plants on water-filled trays full of pebbles to help increase humidity levels.

· Place near sunlight. The United Kingdom-based Perrywood floral company advises placing poinsettia plants near a bright windowsill but not in direct sunlight. Do not let a poinsettia touch cold window panes.

· Avoid drafts. The plants are sensitive to drafts and changes in temperature. So it's best to keep poinsettias away from drafty doors, windows, radiators, or fireplaces.

· Don't drown the roots. Wait until the surface of the compost dries out before watering the plant anew. Also, the decorative foil wrapper that covers pots can trap water and lead to root rot. Remove it or poke holes in the bottom to allow for drainage.

· Cut back plants. Come mid-March, cut back the plant by half to encourage new shoots, suggests the University of Illinois Extension. The plants also can be placed outside in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. Bring poinsettias back in around mid-September to early October to force them to bloom again. 

---

Lifestyle

Travel 

How to Road Trip with EV

Electric car road trips require planning. 

-------  

Seasoned travelers know that few things match the excitement of taking to the open road. Whether you're heading off for parts unknown or following a carefully planned itinerary, a road trip promises to be a unique experience.

Drivers can up the uniqueness ante even further by taking an electric car on their next road trip. Many people who take driving vacations may fly into a new city or country and then rent a car as they prepare to hit the open road. Electric vehicles, or EVs, have become increasingly available in rental fleets in recent years. Travelers interested in trying something new may be intrigued by the chance to get behind the wheel of an EV on their next road trip. This can be a great chance for drivers who are interested in one day purchasing their own EVs to get their feet wet.

Some drivers may not know what to expect when taking a long trip in an EV. Though it's understandable to have some hesitation, the following are some ways to navigate your first extended trip in an EV.

· Determine the charging time of your vehicle. The automotive experts at J.D. Power note that EVs come with different types of charging systems. Level 1 are the most readily available EVs, and these come with a standard 120-volt three prong plug that's common in modern homes in the United States. That's convenient, but charging using a Level 1 outlet may take a significant amount of time and only provide a few miles per hour of charging. If you're renting an EV, confirm which type of car you're getting and emphasize to the rental agency that you prefer a car that can be charged easily and effectively. One that can be charged overnight and provide hundreds of miles of driving time after a full charge is ideal.

· Look for EV-friendly lodging. Many hotels now feature charging stations exclusively for guests with EVs. Some hotels include the cost of utilizing such stations in their parking fees, while others may charge an additional amount. Either way, the convenience of finding a hotel with its own charging station outweighs any extra costs, as cars can be charged overnight while guests are asleep, leaving more time to travel in a vehicle that's fully charged each morning.

· Find some RV parks along your route. RVs have required charging stations for years, so RV parks typically have these stations available for a nominal fee of around $50. RVs typically are Level 2, so EV drivers that require Level 2 charging systems should be able to charge their vehicles at RV parks. In addition, many RV parks now also provide charging stations for Level 1 vehicles, though drivers should confirm which parks have such offerings prior to embarking on their trips.

· Drive in moderate weather. The software experts at Geotab note that cold weather affects EV range. Though battery thermal management systems have been designed to keep batteries within an optimal temperature range to minimize loss in battery performance, battery range is adversely affected when driving in extreme cold. Geotab notes that 70 F is the trip efficiency sweet spot.

Drivers can embrace various strategies to keep electric vehicles running strong on long road trips.

---

International Business

Business Tools

USA Business Funding  

Cutting-edge ideas.  

-------

 When Others Say No, We Have Solutions!

We are pleased to bring to your attention a service that could provide a lifeline to your business. Through our associates, we arrange financing for companies who cannot obtain adequate bank financing.

USA Funding!
Requirements: 
* Must be a resident of the United States
* 680+ Personal Credit Score in all 3 bureaus
*2 years of personal tax returns showing $50,000 or more of taxable income.

A+ Rated with Better Business Bureau 

We offer cash term and credit options for any company, whether they are a brand new start up with no revenue ora seasoned business looking to take things to the next level. Great interest rates!

Funding ranging from $50,000 to $500,000+

Click Here to Apply Now 

---

Business Services

Business Acquisitions 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR SALE!

Corb7 International
"Think Seven Continents, Think a World of Opportunity"

---

* 60-Year-Old Swiss Trust Company - AVAILABLE
Established in the year 1962
Place of Incorporation Zug, Switzerland

* 21-Year-Old Swiss Trust Company - AVAILABLE
Established in the year 2001
Place of Incorporation Zug, Switzerland

Profit, Privacy & Asset Protection. 
 
For Details:

  Call +1-310-601-3115 (Beverly Hills Office)
or 
Email: contact@corb7.com 
 

---

Warning!

Internet STC Offers that Mislead!

Every week we get inquiries regarding regarding misleading offers  posted on other sites via the internet.  Please see below:

Bank Accounts:

Regarding Swiss Trust Companies with change of ownership, there has been some recent easing by Swiss Banks. An account is no longer automatically closed when ownership changes but rather suspended until the KYC compliance of the new owners has been successfully concluded.  In any case, there really is no strategic advantage for new ownership to have an existing bank account since you will still need to go through the same protocols.  Therefore, an existing account does not save you time, money, or the need to travel to meet with the bankers and your administrators.  Consequently, just as an extra safety precaution, previous bank accounts are usually closed with our offerings, and new relations will need to be opened.  Our Zurich based attorney helps our new clients open bank accounts for no additional fee.
 
FYI – There are many posts on the Internet that claim to have “already established” bank accounts for Swiss Trust Companies and that will transfer to the company.  Because of the previously mentioned procedure, this is nothing more than a sale gimmick with no real value to you as a new owner

SROs:

SROs are a professional designation and therefore cannot be held by a company but rather if needed, must be held by a “post holder” of the company. Again, when you see this on the internet it is nothing more than a sales gimmick. 
 
After thirty years in this business space, if these items were able to be part of our turnkey package without misleading the prospective client then obviously, we would have them contained within our offering.  These offers from other firms on the internet are nothing more than a sales pitch without value.

The above information has been verified with our attorney & financial representatives in Zurich.  
 

---

Corb7 International, Inc.
a Business Advisory & Publishing Firm
www.Corb7.com  

For more content regarding international business, motivation &  lifestyle,  
please see my new site:  JeffCorbett.com