I am unable to accept trade instructions by voicemail or email. I need to receive written instructions or talk to you directly. Here’s a reason why…..
Anyone who has experienced an email account intrusion or “hacking” knows how frustrating it can be to deal with the aftermath—from telling friends in milder cases that you didn’t send the flurry of bogus emails they received to regaining access to a blocked account. In the most serious cases, a compromised email account can lead not only to identity theft, but also to theft of your money. That’s why one of the most important first steps you should take if your email account has been hacked is to notify your brokerage firm and other financial institutions.
FINRA has received an increasing number of reports involving investor funds being stolen by fraudsters who first gain access to the investor’s email account and then email instructions to the firm to transfer money out of the brokerage account. In addition to issuing a Regulatory Notice to firms, FINRA is issuing this Alert to warn investors about the potential financial consequences of a compromised email account and to provide tips for safeguarding your assets.
Source: FINRA Investor Alert
