Hide Your Assets and Disappear: A Step-By-Step Guide to Vanishing Without a Trace

By Edmund J. Pankau

Book Overview

A New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller Are you tired of the way you're living? Are you fed up with everyone trying to take your most valuable possessions--your money and assets--away? Are you sick of having creditors, the IRS, or a vindictive ex-spouse nipping at your heels? If only you could disappear without a trace...if only you could resurface in some exotic foreign place with a whole new identity and a brand-spanking new life. And on the other side, how would you like to track down that ex (and his assets) who owes you money? Want to know his tricks? For most people, this is just a fantasy. But it doesn't have to be. In Hide Your Assets and Disappear , one of the nation's top-ten-rated private investigators, Edmund J. Pankau, reveals all the tricks of his trade to show you how to hide it all or find someone who has. An experienced tracker who has worked for the government to recover missing assets, Pankau explains step-by-step how to successfully get away or find someone who has. Filled with vivid real-life stories of both successes and failures as well as an Internet research guide, this invaluable guide outlines exactly what you should know before you go, including the ever-increasing difficulties you will face as the world becomes more tightly linked through electronic networks. Pankau shows you how to pay attention to prevent slip-ups that can give you away, from birthday phone calls to magazine subscriptions to an off-the-cuff comment to a stranger. He prepares you logistically and psychologically to successfully make the transition to your new life and new self in a new world, and gives you the best information on how to go, where to go, how to live, how to behave, and even who to become once you get there. Should I keep my assets here or move them abroad? How do I create a new identity? How do I stay lost? Can I ever go back? How can I avoid anyone who might be looking for me? And how can I find someone who's disappeared on me ? How do people fake their own deaths? What can the government do to catch a concealer? Pankau has the answer for all these questions and many more, and provides the tiny, often overlooked details that can make the difference between lounging on a tropical beach or ending up on the wrong side of the law. Whether you're in search of a new life or someone who has hidden their assets and disappeared and left you in the lurch, listen to Edmund J. Pankau. With his unique, entertaining, eye-opening guide, he shows you how to go from victim to victor. Thinking of disappearing without a trace? Want to find someone who has? Consider these questions... Which is the better place to go, New Zealand or Panama? How much cash you can legally take out of the country? What are the hot spots the Customs Department targets as suspicious entrance points? What is FinCEN and how can it ruin your plans? Where is it better to keep money, the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, or Switzerland? Should you seek out the expatriates in your new country or lay low? What should you do if someone recognizes you in your new home? What happens if you get sick abroad?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060987502
• ISBN13: 9780060987503
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Harper Business
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Great Information, Useful

While this book may be a little outdated, the information contained therein is practical, educational and timeless. Yes, things advance as time goes on but this one is a must have for anyone concerned about privacy and protecting your assets.

Hide Your Assets and disappear

Great book, had lots of useful insights. Book arrived in a timely manner and in condition promised.

A Great Start!

The author gives a wonderful overview of the topic of privacy. The book itself is an easy ready, and very funny. Even if one does not wish to lower their financial profile, I would recommend this book (just for the entertainment value).For those with fewer assets, or who wish to keep all of their activity within the U.S., I would also like to recommend "Bullet Proof Privacy" by Boston T Party.

Don,t judge a book by its cover

This book has a much broader range of appeal to the comman person than the title indicates. Everyone is affected by the privacy issues discussed in the book. The terms "hide" and "disappear" should'nt scare anyone off. Mr.Pankau lays out invaluable information in the context of someone "vanishing without a trace", but most of it relates directly to all of us. After reading his book I'm much more aware of the value of my privacy,and the steps to take to protect it in the future.The section on "the best places disappear to" is valuable to anyone thinking of retiring in a foreign country, regardless of "criminal" issues. Numerous countries and areas are rated for livability followed by recommendations and warnings.Mr Pankau's credentials are solid. He is highly respected internationally as an author(two bestsellers), speaker and most impressively, one of the top private investigators in the country. This is a man who has built a solid business and reputation. I trust the advice in this book because I have considered the source. Enough said.

What a read!!

I must say that I am extremely impressed with this book, and although it is not a step by step how-to manual, it definitly gets you thinking. Some day, you too, can enjoy yourself sitting on a beach sipping a tropical adult beverage far and free from the plunderous arm of step-uncle Sam. I have written Mr. Pankau several times and have found him to be quite intelligent and a wealth of information. Can't wait to get his other books!

I read it all, enjoyable, informative, but not plug-n-play

I read it all, and find it informative. Its certainly not a manual on how to hide from your ex-wife, that one previous reviewer was ranting and raving about. Some fun ideas are presented, but almost everything hinges on a second ID which is not that easy, or affordable to acquire. Maybe for the wealthy but not the average Joe or Jane. It does make clear how difficult it is to go without trace, and what your followers will be looking for. Ruski complained that it told you how to hide, then told how to find you, but it doesnt do that. There really isn't anything that tells the average person how to find someone else, not unless you are a P.I. and have access to the credit bureau and federal data bases. BUT it does make you aware of how tracked you are and maybe, just maybe will help you reduce that exposure. If you REALLY DO WANT TO DROP OUT, then get the boo, there are good tips. I recommend it, but only 3.5 stars. Maybe the list of web sites might raise it to ****.