Count your change

Don't forget to count your change !

Yet another case of theft and fraud inflicted on an association by an HOA president made local South Florida headlines recently. According to news reports, Michelle Changar-Coe, a former homeowners association president, has been arrested and stands accused of embezzling more than $180,000 from her Tamarac community.

Police reports indicate that she forged dozens of checks totaling $181,441.85 which were deposited into her bank account. The authorities reported that the fraud and theft occurred at the Mainlands Section 7 homeowners association from January 2009 through December 2013. Changar-Coe, 44, forged the signatures of four persons without their consent between May 2011 and October 2013.

While conducting an audit of financial records, a board member found several checks from community funds that appeared to be forged with his signature and reported it to police. He later found a check for $20,475 that he never recalled signing and had been made payable to a "Michel Chandar," a name that was later found to be bogus.

Every week I am reading articles like this in the newspapers regarding fraud and theft perpetrated by managers of condominium associations. It is prudent for association members to protect themselves and their money against this type of criminal behavior by constant vigilance and a solid understanding of their association's financial dealings with their hard earned cash.

I am not implying that there are any improprieties taking place in our beloved village. I put my trust in the people who are elected to act in our best interests. I trust everyone.

BUT !........ I STILL COUNT MY CHANGE