Chapter 1: The Inevitable Threats

No matter the wealth or assets you've amassed, there will always be individuals eager to take what you have. — Robert Greene

This is a reality we must accept: challenges arise unexpectedly.

Last year was particularly challenging for me. After being asked to leave my ex-girlfriend’s home for what felt like the umpteenth time, I found a new apartment. After a long day of moving, I was utterly exhausted by 11 PM. My car was still packed with boxes, but I decided to leave them inside and get some rest.

In a lapse of judgment, I left my keys in the car. Given the clutter of boxes in both the front and back seats, I thought my car would be safe. To my dismay, I woke up the next morning to discover my car had been stolen. Someone had easily removed my belongings, discarded my boxes, and totaled the vehicle. It was infuriating—yes, my mistake, but it felt like a major blow.

Next, while working out at the gym, I left my wallet in my car, which was locked this time. However, I foolishly left my keys in an unlocked locker. Unsurprisingly, they were stolen. The thief located my car, took my wallet, and made purchases at Walmart before I could block my cards. I had to call an Uber to get home and hire a locksmith to get into my apartment. On top of that, I spent countless hours replacing my credit cards and driver’s license. The hidden costs of theft often come in the form of lost time.

I also signed up for a free trial of a music streaming service, only to forget about it and be charged for several months before I finally canceled. When I reached out to them, they claimed I hadn't canceled in time and insisted I owed them more money. Frustrated, I paid just to end the ordeal.

Once, I purchased a used Hyundai Sonata, which had around 67,000 miles on it. The transmission failed at 90,000 miles, but Hyundai only warranties it for the original owner. Thus, I was left to cover the costly repairs, which severely impacted my finances.

There was also a scam circulating on Autotrader where someone would offer $20,000 for a $15,000 car. They would ask you to send them a certified check for $5,000, then disappear with your car when the check bounced. Sadly, many people fall for such tricks.

After college, while traveling through Europe, I met some English guys in Prague. One of them had a night out and brought a woman back to his room. He fell asleep, only to wake up and find his wallet gone.

The world of online dating is rife with scammers as well. You might encounter someone who seems eager to meet but then asks for money for gas or a babysitter. Once the money is sent, their profile vanishes without a trace.

High-stakes scams often involve lonely older men who believe they have found love with a younger woman online, only to be manipulated into sending their life savings overseas.

I could recount countless other unfortunate events that have impacted myself and those around me, but the core message remains clear: the threat of theft and deceit is real.

Chapter 2: The Reality of Theft

As someone who has experienced these situations firsthand, I can assure you that there will always be individuals looking to steal from you. Not every day, but certainly every year. These threats come in various forms, and they don't discriminate.

One of the biggest risks today is online fraud. In 2022, Americans lost an astonishing $8.8 billion to online scams, often driven by identity theft, with a median loss of $650. The National Council on Identity Theft Protection reports that about one-third of Americans will experience identity theft at some point in their lives. Do you think that number will decrease in the future?

Creating weak passwords will ultimately cost you. Scammers have sophisticated tools that can crack simple passwords. While it can be challenging to remember complex ones, the consequences of negligence can be severe.

Additionally, credit card information is frequently compromised due to the practice of saving details on commercial websites. Though one-click shopping is convenient, it exposes you to significant risks.

Subscription services have become ubiquitous, ranging from your favorite apps to even car washes. Many businesses rely on customers forgetting about automatic renewals, generating revenue from services that often go unused.

To avoid unwanted charges, steer clear of subscription services when possible. At some point, you will likely sign up for a free trial and forget about it, resulting in months or years of unnecessary payments.

Make it a habit to check your bank account daily. Identity theft and unauthorized fund withdrawals are alarmingly easy in today's digital landscape. Monitoring your transactions daily can help mitigate major financial risks, taking just a few minutes of your time.

Don't make the mistakes I've made. Always lock your car and home when you leave, and secure your belongings whenever possible. Remember: anything that can go wrong, will go wrong at some point.

Be cautious with people you meet online, especially those asking for money. Emotional vulnerability can cloud your judgment, but safeguarding your resources should always take precedence.

In the healthcare sector, it’s common to receive multiple bills from various providers long after a procedure. While it’s easy to lose track, healthcare providers will not forget you, and they won't hesitate to hand your debt over to collectors, damaging your credit score.

Pay your bills promptly to avoid losing track of them. Stay organized by designating a specific place for bills and setting a routine for payments. Living haphazardly is not a sustainable financial strategy.

The old adage rings true: more money brings more problems. In legal matters, the focus often shifts to those with deeper pockets. High-profile individuals, like Donald Trump, attract attention from creditors and litigators, not necessarily because of their actions but due to their financial status.

The reality is that theft and deception have been part of human history since time immemorial. This will not change. People with no regard for your property will always exist.

When English explorer James Cook arrived in Tahiti, he faced challenges when the natives took items from his ship without permission, reflecting their different understanding of ownership.

This mentality persists today, and some individuals may have a similar disregard for property rights. Even reputable businesses may exploit loopholes in contracts that you sign without reading, aiming to strip you of your assets.

Always remain vigilant regarding your resources. If you don’t take proactive measures, they will be taken from you.

Robert Greene discusses strategies for protecting your personal resources in "The 33 Strategies of War."

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