1. Never let anyone from the government into your home without a search warrant or a court order. These days you should also deny entry to "off-duty" government workers. Be careful who you associate with. Private helpers may also pry and denounce.
2. If possible, have a Durable Power of Attorney in a trusted associate or family member. Once again, choose very carefully-a hostile party with a DPA can literally destroy you. But if a DPA exists it is much more difficult for third parties (like the government) to assert guardianship over you.
3. Don't ignore anything, especially not court proceedings. If you are unlucky enough to be targeted, get your own lawyer pronto. The court appointee will NOT be on your side.
4. You can't be paranoid enough these days. Anticipate and prepare early. If you must trust, be doubly sure to verify-even if it is a family member. There are going to be a lot of desperate young people soon.
You are so right...thanks for the input!