Jun 9, 2025 Stay Safe: A Reminder to Be Vigilant Against Phishing Attempts

In today’s digital world, protecting your personal and financial information is more important than ever. As your trusted financial advisor, we want to take a moment to remind you of the importance of staying alert to phishing scams and safeguarding your sensitive data.

What Is Phishing?

Phishing is a type of cybercrime where scammers attempt to trick individuals into providing personal information, such as Social Security numbers, account credentials, or financial details. These attempts typically come through email, text messages, or fake websites that appear to be legitimate. The goal is to steal your identity or gain access to your accounts.

How to Spot a Phishing Attempt

Phishing messages often appear urgent or alarming. They may claim there’s an issue with your account, offer a refund, or request that you verify information. Be wary of:

  • Unfamiliar or misspelled email addresses
  • Unexpected messages asking you to click links or open attachments
  • Requests for personal or financial information
  • Emails or texts that create a sense of urgency or fear

Our Commitment to Your Security

We want to reassure you of our protocols when it comes to your account:

  • We will never ask for personal identifiable information (PII) such as your Social Security number, account numbers, or passwords via email or text.
  • We always call to verbally confirm any transactions or changes to your account.
  • Your account and information security is one of our highest priorities.

If you ever receive a suspicious message that appears to come from us, do not respond or click any links. Instead, contact us directly through a known and trusted method. Here are the direct links to our portals: https://bestpathforward.com/client-portal/

How Charles Schwab Helps Protect You

Charles Schwab, as the custodian for many of our clients’ assets, also takes phishing and cybersecurity seriously. Schwab implements multiple layers of protection to help guard your personal and account information, including:

  • Advanced email filtering and monitoring systems to block malicious messages
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) and secure login processes
  • 24/7 fraud monitoring and account activity alerts
  • A dedicated team of cybersecurity experts actively identifying and responding to emerging threats. This includes fake sites impersonating Schwab login pages.
  • The Schwab Security Guarantee, which states that Schwab will cover 100% of any losses in your Schwab account due to unauthorized activity, provided you follow their security practices including keeping your account access information confidential

For more details on Schwab’s security measures, visit www.schwab.com/schwabsafe

Stay Informed, Stay Secure

Cyber threats evolve, but so does our commitment to protecting you. If you have any questions about digital safety or want to learn more about how to protect your personal information, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for continuing to place your trust in us. Let’s stay safe and secure—together.

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Important Disclosures

Leonard Rickey Investment Advisors, PLLC (“LRIA”), is an SEC registered investment adviser located in the State of Washington. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. For information pertaining to the registration status of LRIA, please contact LRIA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).

This is provided for general information only and contains information that is not suitable for everyone. As such, nothing herein should be construed as the provision of specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. There is no guarantee that the views and opinions expressed herein will come to pass. This newsletter contains information derived from third party sources. Although we believe these third-party sources to be reliable, we make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party incorporated herein and take no responsibility therefore.

Any projections, forecasts and estimates, including without limitation any statement using “expect” or “believe” or any variation of either term or a similar term, contained here are forward-looking statements and are based upon certain current assumptions, beliefs and expectations that LRIA considers reasonable or that the applicable third parties have identified as such. Forward-looking statements are necessarily speculative in nature, and it can be expected that some or all of the assumptions or beliefs underlying the forward-looking statements will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results or outcomes. Some important factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements include, among others, changes in interest rates and general economic conditions in the U.S. and globally, changes in the liquidity available in the market, change and volatility in the value of the U.S. dollar, market volatility and distressed credit markets, and other market, financial or legal uncertainties. Consequently, the inclusion of forward-looking statements herein should not be regarded as a representation by LRIA or any other person or entity of the outcomes or results that will be achieved by following any recommendations contained herein. While the forward-looking statements here reflect estimates, expectations and beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes. LRIA has no obligation to update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, including any revisions to reflect changes in economic conditions or other circumstances arising after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of events (whether anticipated or unanticipated), even if the underlying assumptions do not come to fruition. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice and do not necessarily take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situations, or particular needs of all investors.

For additional information about LRIA, including fees and services, please contact us for our Form ADV disclosure brochure using our contact information herein. Please read the disclosure brochure carefully before you invest or send money.