Well, I'm a "victim" of this particular incident, and here I am... I hesitate to use the term "victim" because I went in knowing the risks were possible, although I felt them unlikely. As someone mentioned earlier in the thread, so reward was (IMO) worth the risk, as Aleccoh was offering a service which I needed. Ironically enough, I left a brokerage which I though was shaky but turned out to be safe in order to move to Aleccoh. If only we had a time machine!

My biggest regret is not doing a more thorough DD, and listening to the voice in my head which urged caution. There were members who posted notes of caution, but I was too easily dissuaded by my own greed and Aleccoh's soothing words. Lesson learned.

I have come to accept there will be those who take pleasure in poking fun at the situation. I will even admit to giggling a bit at the recent joking posts, if only to laugh so as not to cry.

I would ask that members show restraint, as there are those of us with actual dollars at risk, and for whom the situation is all too real. Please leave the thread open so that those of us involved may share information easily and keep one another informed.

Thanks!