Consulate General, Edinburgh
E-Newsletter, April 2007
http://london.usembassy.gov/scotland
We want to keep you updated on events that affect Americans across the world and to notify you of events of interest in Scotland. Feel free to forward this e-mail to friends or co-workers.
Holiday Dream to Holiday Nightmare
Picture this: you’re on a lovely holiday…sea, sun, etc etc. Sunburned and pleasantly exhausted, you arrive at the airport to board your flight home. Suddenly, you’re searching frantically through your bags for your passport. It’s not there. Unbeknownst to you, it was found and turned in to the U.S. Consulate in the town where you were buying glow-in-the-dark sea urchins three days ago. Unfortunately, you did not fill out the emergency contact page in the passport, nor did you register your travel online. The Consulate had no way to reach you. For emergencies small and large, it is extremely important to fill out the emergency contact information in your passport, and to register your travel plans at http://travel.state.gov/.
International Financial Scams Brochure at travel.state.gov
The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) receives daily calls about international scams involving Internet Dating, Inheritance, Work Permits, Lotteries, Overpayment, and Money-Laundering. Many scams are initiated through the Internet.
CA has now posted a brochure on many of these types of scams on its travel website at: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/financial_scams/financial_scams_3155.html
The brochure contains information on scams seen at Embassies and Consulates around the world, tips on steps to avoid becoming a victim, and things to do if you think you’ve been victimized. If you are concerned about an American in distress overseas, but you are not sure if it is a legitimate case, call the Department of State’s office of Overseas Citizens Services at 888-407-4747 (from overseas: 202-501-4444). Send all direct reports of internet fraud to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at: http://www.ic3.gov/ .
Medallion Signature Guarantees in the UK
Medallion Signature Guarantees for the transfer of stocks or securities are often confused with notarizations, but they are, in fact, very different.
As the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) explains, “If you hold securities in physical certificate form and want to transfer or sell them, you will need to sign the certificates or securities powers. You will probably need to get your signature ‘guaranteed’ before a transfer agent will accept the transaction. Transfer agents insist on signature guarantees because they limit their liability and losses if a signature turns out to be forged. An investor can obtain a signature guarantee from a financial institution – such as a commercial bank, savings bank, credit union, or broker dealer – that participates in one of the ‘Medallion Signature Guarantee’ programs. If a financial institution is not a member of a recognized Medallion Signature Guarantee Program (such as an overseas bank), it will not be able to provide signature guarantees. Also, if you are not a customer of a participating financial institution, it is likely the financial institution will not guarantee your signature.” For information on the SEC, please visit www.sec.gov.
U.S. Embassies and Consulates are not able to provide Medallion Signature Guarantees. We have previously referred those seeking this service to their financial institution in the United States, however, two UK firms are now offering this service. The Consulate does not in any way endorse or recommend these firms, but is providing their contact information to assist Americans seeking Medallion Signature Guarantees.
Title Research
26 Forth Street
Edinburgh
EH1 3LH
Tel: 0131 550 3783
Fax: 0131 550 3784
www.titleresearch.com
Email: edinburgh@titleresearch.com
Overseas Probate Service
Lester Aldridge Solicitors
Russell House
Oxford Road
Bournemouth BH8 8EX
Tel: 01202 786-289
Fax: 01202 786-170
Email: info@LA-law.com
http://lester-aldridge.co.uk/
For more information on notary services the Consulate in Edinburgh can provide, please visit http://london.usembassy.gov/scotland/services.htm#notarials.
Online Voting Survey
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC), through the Overseas Vote Foundation, is conducting a survey on absentee voting. EAC has asked for the State Department’s help in disseminating the survey to Americans worldwide.
The survey asks voters about their experiences and preferences with respect to electronic (fax, email, online) submission of voting materials and seeks to improve the ability of overseas citizens to vote. The results and EAC’s recommendations will be reported to Congress.
Below you will find an invitation letter and a link to the online survey, which should take 8 – 10 minutes to complete. Your personal information will remain confidential. Participation is voluntary.
Dear Voter:
We are conducting a survey of overseas and military absentee voters and are inviting you to tell us about your experience with voting or trying to vote in the November 2006 election. Please take 8-10 minutes to fill out this survey. Your responses are confidential and will be used to improve overseas voting programs.
This survey is sponsored by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, and being conducted by the Overseas Vote Foundation and our project partner, Q2 Data & Research, LLC. Your feedback will help to influence developments which will make it easier for us to participate!
Please help by sharing your experiences and opinions with us. Only with your feedback can we make good recommendations. Thank you in advance for your time.
From your friends at Overseas Vote Foundation
Please use this internet address to begin the survey:
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2267HAA8QWY
Tip from the Department Regarding Property Investment Abroad
A major decision when you live abroad is whether or not to purchase a home or property. Because prices in many foreign countries may seem like a bargain compared to the United States, there may be some merit to investing in real estate. However, you will need to keep several things in mind. First, check to see whether the country where you plan to invest permits foreigners to own property. Many foreign countries do not permit foreigners without immigrant status to buy real estate. Also, there may be restrictions on areas in which you may buy property and on the total number of foreigners who may purchase property in any one year.
One way for a foreigner to purchase real estate overseas may be to set up a bank trust and then lease the property. For your protection, you should first consult with a local real estate agent and then hire a reputable attorney. Check with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you plan to purchase property to obtain a list of lawyers. A good lawyer will provide you with information about having your real estate contract notarized, registered, and if necessary, translated. Your attorney should also be able to advise you on protection against unscrupulous land deals.
Before you make a real estate purchase, learn the customs and laws of the foreign government with regard to real estate. In the event of a dispute, you will have to abide by local laws, not U.S. laws. Before you invest in any real estate, take the same precautions which you would normally take before you make a sizeable investment in the United States.
For more tips from the Department of State on traveling or living abroad, please visit http://travel.state.gov/.
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