Do you know what’s truly spooky for annuitants? Incessant calls from aggressive factoring telemarketers who seem to know more about them and their financial situation than most family members. Talk about creepy! But how does it happen? Unsealed court records and easy access through legal databases.

Ah, the sharp minded know that you’re not allowed to use court records for commercial purposes in most states. Unfortunately, even if true, the simple fact is that factoring telemarketers simply stand to make far more money than the slap on the wrist that such a violation entails, whether that’s TCPA, record abuse, or whatever else. If anything, the occasional fine is just part of the overhead. So, how do concerned attorneys or brokers get around this? Thankfully, there’s a solution! Add a single page document to your structured settlement agreements requesting the records of the suit be sealed specifically to prevent predation and harassment. As the legislative successes of NSSTA begin to turn the tide, this step will further prevent the omnipresent court scraping lurkers from being able to find their marks and limit the ability of the telemarketers to become the boogeymen to your clients. 

With that, we can all can gorge on Halloween treats in peace!

To Eric Vaughn and the rest of NSSTA who are advancing this very thing, as evidenced in their memo from earlier this month:

Keep up the good work! We’re behind you 100%!

Help spread the word to make this season more fun and less of a headache for annuitants everywhere. Remember: factor only when needed and have a trusted advisor on standby for when annuitants ask. We’ll be waiting.