The Threat of Blackmail Deterred by an Expired Passport: Essential Documents You Must Safeguard
In the quiet town of Upstate New York, a remarkable story unfolded between two former colleagues, Chris, an optometrist, and his late office manager, Ada. A reader named Chris, who shares the same name as the optometrist, recently reached out to share this compelling tale.
Chris had worked with Ada for over three decades, and her passing a month ago left a significant void in his life. Ada was a kind and competent person, known for her thoughtful cards and warm demeanor. However, her story took an unexpected turn when her daughter, Beverly, found herself in a precarious situation.
Beverly, who struggled with drug and alcohol issues, refused rehab and resorted to extreme measures. She visited Chris's office and threatened to blackmail him with allegations of inappropriate behavior with Ada, unless he paid her $50,000 within 10 days. This was a shocking turn of events for Chris, who had always treated Ada with utmost respect and kindness.
In an attempt to resolve the situation, Chris was advised to set up a video call with Beverly. He proposed that she complete a six-month rehab program and offered to pay the insurance deductible in exchange for a job in his office from mother to daughter. To his relief, Beverly agreed to his proposal, and tears replaced her smile during the video call.
However, the story took another twist when Beverly forged checks and found herself on probation. Chris, who did not want to involve law enforcement to avoid potential media attention and embarrassment to Ada's family, chose to handle the situation privately.
In the midst of this, Chris found himself embroiled in another mystery. A diary entry was presented that allegedly described an event involving Chris, but upon closer inspection, he was able to prove it was a fake. Chris had an expired passport that showed he was out of the country on the date in question, and local press coverage of the event is available online, corroborating his alibi.
As we navigate our personal and professional lives, it's essential to organize our financial paperwork for our heirs and save important documents in case of emergencies such as storms or wildfires. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping our documents secure and up-to-date, as Chris was advised to send scans of his expired passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, transportation stubs, driver's licenses, immigration/naturalization records, marriage/divorce judgments, name-change applications, court approval, deeds/mortgages, homeowners/renters insurance policies, tax returns, business licenses, receipts/warranty booklets for major appliances, titles to vehicles, payment records, pension plan information, employment contracts, life and health insurance contracts/payment records, medical records, wills and trusts, powers of attorney, lawsuits/settlement agreements, among other documents.
This article was written by a contributing adviser and presents their views, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. As we reflect on the story of Chris and Beverly, we are reminded of the television series The A-Team and the line 'I love it when a plan comes together.' While this story may not have ended as smoothly as a TV show, it serves as a testament to the power of empathy, understanding, and the will to change for the better.
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