Fraud Prevention & Financial Safety

As part of our ongoing commitment to your financial well-being, D.A. Davidson provides the following resources to help you spot scams and financial fraud. If you need help recovering from an incident or would like to discuss a preventative plan, your financial professional has the tools to help.

How Scams Happen

Scammers use various tactics to deceive people, but there are common themes, and the goal is always the same—to separate victims from their money. Whether you’re reviewing your own portfolio or helping a loved one with their finances, knowing the signs of suspicious activity can prevent serious harm.

Criminals are creative when it comes to meeting victims. Here are some of the ways they might make contact.

  • Computer Pop-Up: A pop-up message warns that a would-be victim’s account or computer is in danger and directs them to call someone, usually in tech support.
  • Wrong Number: A seemingly innocuous text message leads to an unexpectedly friendly conversation.
  • Social Media: A friend request, group chat invite, or message from an unknown individual results in access to an exclusive investment opportunity.
  • Mail: While not scam-related, mail theft is on the rise, contributing to a dramatic increase in check fraud.

How D.A. Davidson Can Help

Your D.A. Davidson financial professional can help you establish a plan to keep your accounts, identity, and legacy safe. If you’ve been targeted by a scammer or are concerned about your identity, you don’t have to face it alone. Learn more about ways to prevent, detect, and recover from an incident.

  • Name a Trusted Contact. Give your financial professional the name and contact information of someone you trust. If we suspect fraud or become concerned for your well-being, a trusted contact can help us protect you.
  • Verify all requests. If you receive a call, text, or email that raises red flags, don’t send money or share information. Ask a trusted family member or your financial professional to review it with you and independently verify the source of the request.
  • Keep passwords secure. Use unique passwords for every account, change them often, and, where available, use enhanced security features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • Carefully review account statements. When it comes to fraud, time is of the essence. Review account statements upon receipt and, if you see a suspicious transaction, contact your financial professional immediately.

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through D.A. Davidson & Co., a Broker/Dealer and SEC Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.

This material is being provided for educational and informational purposes only. Information contained herein is believed to be reliable; however, we can make no guarantee as to its accuracy or completeness.

D.A. Davidson does not provide tax or legal advice. Please consult with your tax and/or legal professional for guidance on your specific situation.

By providing information about trusted contact person(s), you authorize D.A. Davidson to contact them and disclose limited information in the following circumstances: to address possible financial exploitation, to confirm your current contact information, health status, or the identity of any legal guardian, executor, trustee, holder of a power of attorney, or similar, or as otherwise permitted by FINRA Rule 2165 (Financial Exploitation of Specified Adults). The Trusted Contact cannot place trades, request account information, or otherwise act on your behalf and is not a substitute for a Power of Attorney (POA). Your trusted contact must be at least 18 years old and cannot be an employee of D.A. Davidson (unless the employee is an immediate family member). It is recommended that your trusted contact not be the account co-owner, trustee, or attorney-in-fact (POA).