US Department of Homeland Security - TSA
Prepare For Takeoff Partners and Potential Partners
For the latest information please go to: www.TsaTravelTips.us
----- SAMPLE EMAIL PRESS RELEASE-----
From: US Department of Homeland Security - TSA
To: info@sefco-export.com
Subject: Wait Time now Available on the TSA Website
Dear Partner:
Do you know that you can now access airport wait times from the TSA website? The press release found below will give you information on this initiative. We will continue to provide information to you concerning new initiatives and changes at TSA.
TSA Lists Passenger Checkpoint Wait Times, Airport-by-Airport
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As a customer service initiative, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is providing airport-by-airport wait times at passenger security checkpoints.
Wait times are available on TSA’s website at www.tsa.gov under Travel Tips.
Passengers will be prompted to identify the state, airport,
day of the week and time of travel. Wait time information will
be provided, by security checkpoint, in one-hour increments for
two hours before and two hours after the selected flight time.
The wait times provided are based on 28-day rolling historical
averages for the airport and day and time selected.
Wait time information is collected and posted on the website for all airports daily.
The security checkpoint represents only one part of the passenger boarding process.
Other factors affecting when passengers should arrive at the airport include ticketing and parking.
TSA recommends travelers consult their airlines and airports for
additional guidance on arrival times and check with the airlines for the
most current flight information. Also helpful is Federal Aviation
Administration information on system-wide or airport-specific delays,
which can be found at www.fly.faa.gov
Learn more about NSE-ERS, the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System.
System designed to protect U.S. citizens.
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“Passengers who use TSA’s wait time in combination with airport and airline information will be better able to plan – selecting times of the day when wait times are shorter as well as calculating when to arrive at the airport to comfortably catch their flight,” said Ron Sokolov, TSA’s executive director of customer service and education. “We are pleased to deliver this new service as part of the agency’s commitment to world-class customer service.”
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----- SAMPLE EMAIL PRESS RELEASE -----
From: US Department of Homeland Security - TSA
To: info@sefco-export.com
National Preparedness
For a listing of the National Preparedness Month coalition members, their planned activities and points of contact, go to
www.dhs.gov/dhspublic
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----- SAMPLE EMAIL PRESS RELEASE -----
From: US Department of Homeland Security - TSA
To: info@sefco-export.com
Subject: Changes in TSA Screening Procedures at airports
The following information is being shared to keep you informed concerning changes in transportation security procedures. Additional information can be found at www.tsa.gov. If you have questions, please do not respond to this e-mail message, contact the TSA Contact Center at 1-866-289-9673 or by e-mail at
tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov
TSA INCREASES LEVEL OF ELECTRONIC AND MANUAL EXPLOSIVES SEARCHES AT U.S. AIRPORTS
"...the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will implement new passenger screening procedures that will increase the use of explosives trace detectors, expand the use of manual pat-down searches, and give screeners more latitude to refer individuals to secondary screening.
The enhancements are designed to strengthen checkpoint screening of passengers and carry-on baggage and are in line with a recent recommendation of the 9/11 Commission Report that all passengers selected for secondary screening be checked for explosives. Passengers must continue to go through metal detectors and put their carry-on items through the X-ray; the extra measures will be applied to those persons referred to secondary screening.
The new protocol will also require all passengers to remove outer coats and jackets for X-ray before proceeding through the metal detectors. Included are suit and sport coats, athletic warm-up jackets and blazers.
The new measures authorize pat-down searches of passengers if warranted, based on visual observations. These limited searches will be conducted as part of the secondary screening process.
Since December 31, 2002, 100 percent of baggage checked at the nation’s 450 commercial airports has been screened for explosives and other harmful materials before being loaded onto a plane.
Working with airlines and aviation authorities, TSA is testing and evaluating new technologies including portals and document scanners that will detect traces of explosive particles on passengers. Currently, five airports are testing the portals at passenger security checkpoints. This technology subjects passengers to puffs of air, which are collected and analyzed to determine if explosives residues are present. The pilot programs will help determine whether the trace detection technology is appropriate for use within an airport environment."
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[see also: our Port Notes and News -
Sefco's Safe and Sound Updates]
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Transportation Security Specialists
Sefco's colleagues at American River Int'l - based in Melville, Long Island, NY - have
extensive experience in security matters pertaining to the freight forwarding industry.
Several of their key executives have been part of the outreach effort lead by US Customs, BXA and other
US Government Agencies, to train corporate traffic managers and security managers in dealing with post 9/11 security matters .
We strongly recommend that US Corporate managers confer with ARI,
to review your transportation security posture.
-
Sefco recognizes the value and experience present at ARI.
Starting from an intitial meeting held with Mr Quinn at ARI's offices
several years ago - Sefco has agreed to cooperate with ARI.
Topic #1
"Coping with Changing Regulations Post 9/11"
Corporate shippers (import/export) - should arrange for your key employees to receive a
customized briefing on security issues.
Topics covered, include:
Making sure we, as importers and exporters, are paying attention to the issues;
Making sure we are:
- assigning ownership to one or two individuals;
- evaluating the risks;
- taking steps to mitigate our exposures;
- communicating to all interesting parties;
Furthermore, our colleagues can address major issues concerning:
the FAA, Port Security, Hazardous Materials, U.S. Customs, Treasury/OFAC,
Export Management and Regulatory Controls, USPPI, Denied Parties and Entity's lists,
Export License Controls, Export Documentation requirements.
Books, Articles and Clippings
unsafeatanyaltitude.com
"We may be less safe flying today than we were before 9/11,
and we have spent billions of dollars in tax money going backward. Unsafe at Any Altitude goes behind the scenes at our nation’s airports
and inside the government and paints a remarkably inept picture of a Transportation Security Administration. Susan and
Joseph Trento reveal that U.S. carriers have succeeded in using their force of lobbyists to make certain serious airline security is never invoked in this country."
Have you heard about the fellow who shipped himself in a crate from New Jersey to Texas?
Read the "parting shot" article by James Aaron Cooke, Executive Editor, Logistics Management Magazine (October 2003) titled:
"So much for security"
[ when prompted please enter temporary password: oktogo ]
For an altenative view, read:
Overblown
How Politicians and the Terrorism Industry Inflate National Security Threats, and Why We Believe Them,
By John Mueller
Commerce and Trade Events
SEFCO EXPORT featured events - NYC 2006
Business and Investment Opportunities in the Czech Republic
CAFTA and the Central American DR Free Trade Agreement:
Guatemala - INDUEXPO
NEXCO coordinated events
[symposiums for practitioners of international trade ]
Customs Security Measures:
Sample topics, include:
Facilitating Trade Flows and Anti-Terrorism Efforts...
Speakers: Suzanne Richer, President of Customs and Trade Solutions, Inc.; Mitchel Landau, Supervisory Import Specialist, and Larry Lewis, Assistant Area Director, Trade Operations, Department of Homeland Security
Sponsor: Customs and Trade Solutions, Inc.
Cost: $40 members, $60 non-members. JOIN
REGISTER
Security has become the key component of supply chain management. Improving a company's security rating will have a direct impact on the flow of commerce, and a company's ability to compete globally. The U.S. market has introduced key changes that will impact imports and restructure how cargo is assessed and potentially examined.
Discussion will cover the key components shippers need to acknowledge to keep their supply chain moving, and avoid potential delays due to new security measures. The program will review:
- 24 Hour Manifest rule for imports and exports
- trade security programs including:
C-TPAT,
Operation Shield America, Container Security Initiatives and more.
National Infrastructure Protection Center:
Emergency Preparedness
The Role of the Private Sector with Online Security
Homeland Security
Transportation Security Admininstration
defendamerica.mil
[FEMA]
[World Bank]
[volunteer: peacecorp.gov]
[tolerance.org]
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Interested in learning more about secure shipping practices?
Continue surfing our website for free advice and guidance...
www.sefco-export.com
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US Coast Guard on Harbor Patrol
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Know your customer, know your business.
Safety and security comes first.
"vigilence"
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Port Security
"serious business"
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Notice for Sefco customers and visitors...
The Piers - Delivering to The Port.
Procedural notes:
Shipping your car from the USA? Interested in finding out more about where to go and what to do at US ports?
Just curious?
Want to go and just look around?
"Know before you go".
IN THE UNITED STATES, YOU SHOULD NOT JUST GO TO THE PORT
WITHOUT A PROPER REASON AND APPOINTMENT.
Just like America's airports, the seaports are high security areas.
US Customs has always had the last word on entry and exit to these areas.
Port authorities maintain their own police force. Undercover and plainclothes agents certainly
exist and will question any unusual behavior in their areas of concern.
This is why we relate to our customers, or potential customers - you should not just show up at
the docks without paperwork from our forwarding department (for shipping vehicles overseas).
Many terminals require an appointment. Always bring government issued photo identification with you if and when you do go to the port.
Sefco Export customers will receive formal paperwork and instructions on what to do
and where to go - including driving instructions, with phone numbers at the port. One of the documents you
will receive is called the "D/R-dock receipt". It will state the name of the shipper/exporter (you), the
consignee overseas including address (you'll write this down on our contract form, so we'll know the details),
the name of the ship, the voyage number, a description of the vehicle including VIN-vehicle identification number, and much more.
Think of it as the equivalent to the "ticket"
for your vehicle's reservation to go on the boat.
This information is generated for you specifically, only after our
contract form is completed, signed, and returned to Sefco's main office,
with a printout copy of Sefco's rate quote sent to you by e-mail.
Your deposit for service has to be received, before a booking can be made with the SS line by our
auto export department.
Remember: When you go to the pier, we recommend you bring proper personal
identification, i.e., bring your passport. If you are self-clearing US Customs at the port of export,
bring the original title for the vehicle with you. Follow our specific instructions - which you will
receive after we open your file and your deposit has come in. Please realize that without taking the
first step (send in your pre-service deposit), Sefco Export
will not be able to provide proper pre-shipping customer service.
Please refer to our site for
step by step instructions:
toproceed.htm
To meet our operational partners for vehicle exporting,
please
click here.
For vehicle export (from the USA) shipping/handling rates,
please
click here.
Need specific instructions for driving to the piers?
Our customers will be sent clear instructions.
Further reading: [RoRo facts]
[RoRo preamble]
Caveats:
There is Limited RoRo Service availability in certain markets.
RoRo ships are special vessels for which there is a very high demand, and a low supply of ships.
Therefore ship owners go to where there is the greatest demand and revenue.
This is what is known in the shipping industry as "on an inducement basis".
[learn more]
Routings and timing:
Europe is a high-volume, frequest sailing RoRo vessel destination.
Destinations that are served only monthly by RoRo vessel service (from the USA), include:
Rio Haina, Dominican Republic (from US East Coast).
Yokohama, Japan (from US East and West Coasts).
There is relatively quick and direct RoRo service
to West African ports from the USA East Coast but
you must reserve your space way in advance of your
expected shipping date. Sailings are generally once a month.
The cost for direct sailings tends to be more than trans-shipments via "base" ports.
However, sailing times ("on the water") of approximately 20 days to West Africa
from the US East Coast are achievable.
In order to properly service your request, a pre-shipment deposit
paid to Sefco is required.
Think of it in terms of getting a ticket to a very popular music concert.
Once tickets go on sale, you never know when they will become "sold out".
We can help you get your reservation but if you wait and deliberate too long,
everything can get "booked solid" and you may have to wait a very long time.
All new booking requests are taken on a first come, first served basis.
This is why timing is important. [Read more about timing:
click here]
We receive many requests for information. If you are a previous Sefco Export customer,
please be sure to let us know.
Without receipt of your pre-shipment deposit, we have no idea who is serious
about shipping their property. Your deposit is your committment to the process and
to working with our company.
Customer Service is all important. We focus on serving our clientele.
Requests for sailing details, delivery locations, arrival dates,
customs advise, an so on, will be attended to, upon receipt of your deposit.
No reservations, bookings, pickup orders, or other operational actions can be taken before
the deposit is received.
Indirect service and transhipments:
RoRo vessel service to Australia (from the USA) moves via Singapore.
Nigeria and West African RoRo service usually moves from the USA via Belgium.
For some high demand destinations (Lagos) it is common to have a RoRo consignment
wait more than one or two weeks at one port (Zeebruge, Belgium),
pending connection to another vessel, before going to the final discharge port.
Some destinations with high demand, like Nigeria, experience major backups
and port congestion which often result in skipped sailings while awaiting connection to the
final delivering vessel. This is a reality of RoRo shipping.
It is economical and sensible, but if it is a transhipment (moving via another port, like Singapore or Zeebruge, Belgium; From point A to point B to point C)
you should be willing to wait longer times than if shipped direct (point A to point B),
or if shipped on a higher cost container-ship.
Check out our RoRo sections,
for further advice and guidance concerning "RoRo shipping" [sitemap: Automobile Exports]
Regarding Customs
Here's some pointers and help for you, in "doing your homework".
Australian Quarantine Restrictions
Case study: Professional vehicle trader/buyer, based in Australia, purchases vehicle from 3rd party in the USA.
Car delivered to the pier/US port through seller/buyers own means.
(Excerpt)
"I was also not informed..." {by the seller} "...that the vehicle had been delivered to the docks dirty i.e. mud under wheels and guards. Hence the vehicle was impounded upon
arrival in Australia, and has cost me several thousand dollars in quarantine fees.
This could have been avoid with a simple email,
and I could have arranged for the vehicle to be washed before going on the boat...
this was the first RORO for me..."
Observation: "When receiving vehicles and items on behalf of customers the company is not responsible to open trunks, cartons, etc.
and check contents but is only responsible for the number of pieces and/or vehicles received."
[excerpted from Sefco Exports normal terms for service]
Please be mindful of the importing country's customs concerns and import rules,
when buying something to be shipped to another country.
In places like Australia and New Zealand they are particularly conscientious
when it comes to eradication of pests, fumigation, and so on.
"If it should be clean, please make sure it's cleaned before being delivered for export."
Sefco Export
Management Company, Inc.
Purchasing Services
Buying a car, a pleasure craft, sailboat or other goods from the US and need to have it inspected?
Try the companies
featured on our website:
[preshipment inspections]
We ship vehicles, boats, all kinds of goods.
Benefit from our experience...
Case studies
For vehicle and other exports to Australia/NZ:
please clean your car
Meet our colleagues:
Sefco's D/A destination agents in Australia
Australian Quarantine inspections
The fee for AQIS inspection (fumigation/quarantine) is always paid collect at destination.
Learn more about the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service - AQIS, inspection services for the arrival of international
consignments: [click here]
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Know who to contact for help.
US Customs Advisory:
Report Suspicious Activity to
1-800-BE-ALERT
Report Hazardous Situations/Security Issues
to US police/port authorities.
The Port Authority of NY & NJ [Police website]
Police contact numbers [google search]
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Federal Aviation Administration
[google topical search]
The FBI...
has established a toll-free telephone number
for anyone with useful information
regarding national security matters.
Call 1-866-483-5137 [website]
Be safe, while traveling abroad (read: p.15)
www.weprevent.org/usa/cover.pdf
Moving Overseas?
Avoid false assumptions! Read our guide: MISCONCEPTIONS
Looking for support, help and trustworthy guidance?
REGISTER with Sefco today to get the professional support services that you require.
Is your business disaster tolerant?
Be on guard. Forewarned is forearmed. See: www.sefco-export.com/business.htm#guard
PLAN AHEAD!
Where to find potable drinking water in the event of an emergency?
click here
Travel Warnings
Current USG - State department travel warning notices: travel.state.gov
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Bureau of Industry & Security, US Dept. of Commerce
[lists to check]
[unauthorized parties]
[know your customer]
Read Yahoo's guide to online security: [click here]
Be careful.
Thinking of selling your vehicle to an unknown overseas buyer?
" caveat emptor -
let the buyer be aware / seller be aware "
Now here's a story about some movers you
really don't want to meet up with:
Daily News (NYC)
What is going to be your best choice? Your "safest bet"?
Option A = Sefco Export Management Company, Inc.
Option B = ??? the unknown
rogue's gallery
74 Indicted For Alleged Moving Company Fraud, Extortion reported by: NBC6.net South Florida Television News Team
Excerpts: MIAMI -- The owners and employees of 16 moving companies
have been indicted for alleged fraud and extortion that authorities
characterized as a cancer on the household moving industry.
Alleged Moving Company Fraud. According to the U.S. attorney's office, federal grand juries have returned
indictments against 74 owners, operators and employees of the South Florida business.
At least 46 people have been arrested so far. All of those indicted are accused of luring customers
into doing business with their companies by offering low estimated prices for moving customers'
belongings, then inflating the transportation and other prices and refusing to deliver the goods until
customers paid the higher fees.
Movers held goods hostage, feds charge
By Luisa Yanez and Jasmine Kripalani (www.miami.com)
Hundreds of consumers were cheated by 16 South Florida moving companies that lured them with lowball prices, then held their possessions hostage in jammed warehouses until the customers paid exorbitantly inflated prices, federal officials said Tuesday.
A massive federal indictment unveiled Tuesday accuses the companies and 74 owners, operators and employees of fraud and extortion.
The indictment said the movers deliberately underestimated the cost of moving, rushed customers to sign blank forms, lied to them, used false names, and refused to tell customers where their possessions were until they paid huge fees.
"Moving firm employees convicted.
A Fort Lauderdale jury has convicted..." reported by:
southflorida.bizjournals.com
movingscam.com/blackList.shtml
"Option B"
www.kvbc.com Las Vegas - "Gamblers Paradise"
The Case of the "Moving" Violations
"...it actually happened...and to thousands of people...victimized by the criminal practices of 16 Florida-based moving companies. The good news is that a joint U.S. Department of Transportation/FBI investigation that used undercover agents posing as customers resulted in the indictment of 74 owners and employees of these companies.
The indictments charged offenses of Conspiracy, Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, Extortion Money Laundering and Bill of Lading fraud."
as reported by:
FBI website
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Anyone with information on the case is asked to call 1-877-529-3855.
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"Option A"
Your best option...
"Sefco Export Management Company, Inc., based in New York City USA,
specializes in the international shipping of personal effects and household goods,
automobiles, motorcycles, motorboats, sailboats, oversized construction equipment, tropical and
extreme climate vehicles throughout the world.
We can help you move your possessions from anywhere in the USA, to overseas,
and from overseas to the United States. Export and Import movements. To and from all 50 states.
Overall, the majority of our business is based on repeat business as well as recommendations
through Sefco customers that have previously entrusted us with their property -
including HHG/PE household goods and personal effects, antiques, artwork, POV passenger cars,
and other cargo.
Our many years of experience together with our expertise with overseas shipping
will allow us to make your next international shipping experience one that is streamlined, successful and worry free.
Safety, security and your peace of mind remain our top priorities."
Work with us. Here's how. (click here)
Who are you paying?
If you have not paid Sefco, then you are not a Sefco customer.
Do not be misled by any company/entity or individual that may try to mislead or redirect your search.
Please review our "steps to take" online guide.
Do you know how to look up
the ownership of a website?
Make a WHOIS database search on any domain on the Web
Excerise due diligence and take prudent precautions.
Read our notes and outside links on how to be On Guard.
Caution: beware of "imposters"
Our expertise, reputation and on-line content are earned the honest way
- the product of many years of effort.
People choose to Work with Sefco Export - because we are professional, reliable and trustworthy.
From time to time we have written about
code theft (of our online guides)
and other hazards.
Please be careful.
There exist a handful of internet operators selling moving related services
using content lifted directly from Sefco Export's website.
Unauthorized code use and other webmaster tactics,
may yield a search engine result that would 'appear to be' a
link to Sefco's website. In some instances "phantom" redirect websites
have taken entire sections of our website word for word,
which then points the user to a Florida-based "mover-bid internet website"
with no relation whatsoever with our company.
Sefco Export Management Company, Inc.
Our general review for new shippers can be read here:
"Steps to take..."
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Our web-site serves as a teaching device - to present specialized information on our line of work, combined with analysis and practical experience
- to better educate the public and our clients in particular. To this end, we have created special
"Do's and Don'ts" section on our website.
Some common questions include:
"Does Sefco Export arrange domestic/local moves?"
Answer: "No." {read more}
"Does Sefco Export arrange international moves?"
Answer: "Yes." {read more}
If you are interested in our informal advice or have any general questions,
ask us. Speak directly to one of our sales representatives or
managers.
Through our website, we try to promote general knowledge and greater understanding of import/export operations
- presenting information in a "Readers Digest" simplified style
- including our own photo guides,
using simple, straightforward language - to shed light on our work,
so the "uninitiated public" can learn more about how things work.
Often our guidance can help people from making common mistakes.
Sefco Export Management Company, Inc.
Read
real references attesting to our abilities, experience and professionalism.
Prepayment for service and a
pre-shipment deposit is required.
To allow us to open your file for service and become a client, please be sure to send in your
payment or some form of deposit paid to:
Sefco Export Management Company, Inc.
Proper identification and advance notice
is required for all export/import operations. Serious new customers are welcome.
Proper attention and priority is given to our paying clientele.
No new bookings or reservations are made without receipt of a deposit or payment.
Looking for top quality international service?
We offer the best personnel, materials, labor resources, origin/destination agents with total door to door security.
We call this our P-Premium Service.
"Not everyone has the budget or desire for P-service "hands off"
total-service international moving.
Sefco Export provides the highest level of service working with our very best agents for premium level export packing,
shipping and p-level destination delivery services into your overseas residence.
Sefco knows the difference between cheap, risk-fraught shipping practices and P-premium total door to door service.
Take a moment to consider your options.
Need to save money and do certain tasks yourself?
No problem! Read: Economy Service
New accounts are always welcome!
Optional preshipment inspections and site visits can be arranged
upon request [ERS-export survey report].
SAFETY TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Caveat Emptor
Caveat
Fake bank checks have been are used by
overseas "buyers" of vehicles meant for export.
Banks do not immediately tell you if you
deposited a bad check. It can take days or longer.
If you are collecting money from the sale of your property -
and you plan to ship it abroad, make sure the funds clear
your bank 100% without question,
BEFORE sending your property and BEFORE sending in any payment
to ship your car (or other property) overseas.
Caveat.
According to the US Secret Service:
"The perpetrators of Advance Fee Fraud (AFF), known internationally as "4-1-9" fraud after the section of the Nigerian penal code which addresses fraud schemes, are often very creative and innovative."
Read examples of "419" email scams:
sefco-export.com/business.htm#guard
CAVEAT EMPTOR:
Public Advisories and Warnings
Read statements issued by the Embassy of Nigeria, Washington, D.C. regarding:
419 advance fee scams, and Banking Fraud.
From the US Department of State: "Advanced Fee Business Scams"
read an excerpt:
Is It A Reputable Business?
To check on a businesses legitimacy in the U.S.,
contact the country Desk Officer at the International Trade Administration, Room 3317,
Dept. of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230. (Tel: 1-800-USA-TRADE or 202-482-5149, fax: 202-482-5198)
If you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Am I Being Scammed?
If you are in the U.S., contact the country Desk Officer at the Dept. of Commerce (see address above).
You may want to contact local police as well, if threats have been made against you. If you are abroad,
contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
What Can The U.S. Embassy Do?
The U.S. embassy or consulate officers will help you by directing you to the appropriate
local law enforcement authorities, to report the details of the scam and any threats made against you.
They can facilitate the replacement of your passport, provide communication with relatives in the United States and,
if necessary, provide an emergency repatriation loan. But, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate cannot recover a scam victim''s money.
Traveling Abroad?
Please consult our web site before you go. You will find Consular Information Sheets
(and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
http://travel.state.gov
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From the Department of Defense: "DoD Warns About Insurance, Investment Rip-offs"
read an excerpt:
By Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, May 3, 2005 – Defense Department officials are working to thwart insurance and investment marketing practices that exploit military personnel.
"You really have to be a little bit skeptical if somebody says if you invest a little bit of money with us today you'll have a great deal of money tomorrow," warned Air Force Col. Michael A. Pachuta, DoD's director of morale, welfare and recreation policy.
[read entire article]
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"No Phishing!"
Phishing Attacks Soar - Don’t Be a Victim
[article attribution: WTCA news] - excerpt from online article
"What is phishing?
Phishing
attacks use 'spoofed' emails and fraudulent websites designed to fool recipients
into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers,
account usernames and passwords, social security numbers, etc.
By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers and
credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5% of
recipients to respond to them..." [read more: click here]
and [consumer recs]
Fraud Protection Tips, from Liberty Mutual:
Protecting Your Identity & Online Security
"Frank W. Abagnale is one of the world's most respected authorities
on the subjects of forgery, embezzlement and secure documents.
For over twenty-five years he has lectured to and consulted with hundreds of financial institutions, corporations and government agencies around the world."
www.abagnale.com
[Portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie, "Catch me if you can."]
While you surf the internet, tread carefully.
For safer searching: www.stopbadware.org
Caveat Emptor (Latin) - Let the buyer beware.
What's up?
"To the Fore"
Further reading:
The 419 Coalition Website
www.silicon.com/news
www.exportmichigan.com/internet_fraud.htm
www.theinquirer.net
slashdot.org/articles
Tired of telemarketer calls?
"The National Do Not Call Registry"
Read more: www.donotcall.gov
Immigration to the US
NY1 - News Story - "Immigrants to the US
can be victimized by scams.
Beware of false promises."
Read more:
FTC Warns -
Immigrants Seeking Green Cards Should Beware Of Scams
US Embassy San Salvador
Consul General steers visa applicants away from unscrupulous facilitators
DMOZ: Society: Issues: Immigration: Pro-Immigration
Organizations: American Immigration Lawyers Assn.
Are you new to the United States?
Just visiting, studying or residing in the USA?
Welcome !
"Newspaper article reprints"
"Thanks for the help, now stay away"
By Jeff Jacoby The Boston Globe
WARSAW Tears well in Maria Buczyk's eyes as she talks about her 83-year-old mother.
"She lives in Chicago, and she's quite sick," Buczyk says in a voice tense with emotion.
Eugeniusz, her husband, pats her shoulder comfortingly. "I really need to see her."
We are standing in a courtyard of the American Embassy in Poland.
The Buczyks are waiting in line to apply for visas so they can travel to the United States.
This is their third time going through the process; they were turned down twice before,
they say, after being interviewed by consular officers who barely glanced at their documents.
"They said I was going to immigrate," Maria recalls - i.e., remain in the United States beyond
the 90 days allowed on a tourist visa. "It's not true. I just want a month with my mother."
Like everyone else in line, the Buczyks are carrying a sheaf of paperwork: passports,
photographs, and a nonimmigrant visa application. Because Eugeniusz is in his 50s, he didn't
have to complete the supplemental application required of all men up to age 45. (Sample query:
"Do you have any specialized skills or training, including firearms, explosives, nuclear, biological,
or chemical experience?") On the other hand, he and Maria have brought along additional documents
they hope will bolster their application - a letter of invitation from a U.S. citizen and a bank
statement showing their savings in Poland. But these are optional, and the embassy's guidelines
candidly warn that "the consular officer may choose not to look at them if it appears that additional
documents won't make a difference."
Definitely not optional is the final item in the Buczyks' folder - a bank check for $100,
the mandatory "visa services" fee that must be paid by anyone who applies for a U.S. visa.
In a country where $1,000 is the average monthly income, $100 is not a trivial sum, and it
is nonrefundable - the embassy keeps the money whether a visa is granted or not.
The whole ordeal strikes Poles as overbearing, insulting and unfair. Americans have been
able to enter Poland without a visa for years; why, they ask, should Poles have to go
through such a demeaning procedure in order to enter America? Especially - this really
sticks in the Polish craw - when Washington has waived visa requirements for citizens of
nearly every Western European nation, including Britain, France, Germany, Belgium and Ireland.
U.S. consular officials reply that Poland is not being discriminated against but that it
simply hasn't met the conditions stipulated by Congress for inclusion in the visa waiver
program - starting with the requirement that a country's visa denial rate be no higher
than 3 percent. Currently, about 25 percent of Polish visa applicants get rejected. But
the 3 percent rule strikes many Poles as a Catch-22.
"Why are you refusing visas? What is it based on? The criteria seem to be things like -
students who aren't married and don't have a car or property get turned down," says Marek Purowski,
a spokesman for the Polish Embassy in Washington. "So an honest student in Poland who saves
for many years in order to legitimately visit the U.S. will be rejected, and then his rejection
gets held against us" as a reason to require visas.
The visa issue has become the biggest irritant in U.S.-Polish relations. "It cuts across all
layers of Polish society," says U.S. Ambassador Victor Ashe. "From the hotel chambermaid to the
business executive, every Pole is familiar with this issue." With more than 9 million Americans
of Polish descent, many Poles feel a particular kinship with the United States. That kinship has
been reflected in national policy: At a time of rising anti-U.S. sentiment, Poland has been notably pro-American.
Especially on Iraq. Not only did the Poles resist French and German pressure to be "good Europeans"
and oppose the war, they contributed more troops to the U.S.-led coalition than any other European
country except Britain and Italy. Naïvely, perhaps, they expected their support to be rewarded, and
Washington's refusal to ease the visa requirement is widely interpreted here as ingratitude.
Sure, there are good reasons not to exempt Poland from the visa regime. But there is an even better
reason to consider doing so, at least on a trial basis - a reason articulated best by George W. Bush.
"Listen," the president told reporters in February, "Poland has been a fantastic ally." Indeed it has.
And in statecraft, as in private life, special friends deserve special consideration.
published: July 29, 2005
(Jeff Jacoby's column appears regularly in The Boston Globe.)
US Legislators working on Immigration Matters
Senate Subcommittee on Immigration Border Security and Citizenship
contact information:
click here
House Subcommittee on Immigration Border Security and Claims
contact information:
click here
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