Gone are the days when a person's word or handshake was all that was needed to finalize a business deal. It's human nature to trust. We learn at an early age that our best friend is someone we can count on and confide in. We want to believe that people are inherently good and have our best interests at heart. But what happens when that friend asks for a loan to start a new business then leaves town with all your money, never to be heard from again? How about the businessman with a great reputation who makes a proposal, takes a down payment, and never shows up to do any work? Consider the...