Mar 13, 2018 Beware of Phishing

 

Recently, more and more individuals each year are becoming the target of phishing scams. We have all become generally smarter about identifying and avoiding cyber threats but unfortunately, scammers and hackers have become more creative with their deceptive techniques.  LRIA takes cybersecurity issues seriously, and employs multi-tiered practices to protect your data from phishing scams and other threats.

While we can lessen the risk that clients will fall victim to phishing scams and other cybersecurity threats, clients need to diligently review your personal communications and look for tell-tale signs of fraud.  Below are some tips for early recognition of these threats:

  • Be cautious about opening attachments or clicking on links in emails. Even your colleague or friends’ accounts could be hacked. Files and links can contain malware that can weaken your computer’s security.
  • Make the call if you’re not sure. Do not respond to any emails that request personal or financial information. Phishers use pressure tactics and prey on fear. If you think a company, friend or family member really does need personal information from you, pick up the phone and call them yourself using the number on their website or in your address book, not the one in the email.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication. For accounts that support it, two-factor authentication requires both your password and an additional piece of information to log in to your account. The second piece could be a code sent to your phone, or a random number generated by an app or a token. This protects your account even if your password is compromised. As an extra precaution, you may want to choose more than one type of second authentication (e.g. a PIN) in case your primary method (such as a phone) is unavailable.
  • Do your own typing. If a company or organization you know sends you a link or phone number, don’t click. Use your favorite search engine to look up the website or phone number yourself. Even though a link or phone number in an email may look legitimate, scammers can hide the true destination.
  • Back up your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Back up your files regularly to protect yourself against viruses or a ransomware attack.
  • Keep your security up to date. Use security software you trust, and make sure you set it to update automatically.
  • Report phishing emails and texts.
    1. Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov – and to the organization impersonated in the email. Your report is most effective when you include the full email header, but most email programs hide this information. To ensure the header is included, search the name of your email service with “full email header” into your favorite search engine.
    2. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at FTC.gov/complaint.
    3. Visit Identitytheft.gov. Victims of phishing could become victims of identity theft; there are steps you can take to minimize your risk.
    4. You can also report phishing email to reportphishing@apwg.org. The Anti-Phishing Working Group – which includes ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies – uses these reports to fight phishing

 

 

 

Leonard Rickey Investment Advisors, PLLC (“LRIA”) is an SEC-registered investment adviser located in the State of Washington. LRIA may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed, or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from notice filing requirements. For information pertaining to the registration status of LRIA, please contact the SEC on its website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. A copy of LRIA’s current written disclosure brochure discussing the firm’s business operations, services and fees is available from LRIA upon request.  References herein to LRIA as a “registered investment adviser” or any reference to being “registered” does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
Please Note: The information contained herein is provided for informational and educational purposes only and it’s contents represent only a summary of the topics discussed. This newsletter contains information for third party sources. Although believed to be reliable, we make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information prepared by an unaffiliated third party, whether linked to or incorporated herein, and take no responsibility therefore. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, web sites, information and programs made available through this web site.  When you access one of these web sites you assume total responsibility and risk for your use of the web sites you are  linking to. 
The information contained herein should not be construed as the provision of personalized investment advice. Your experience may vary according to your individual circumstances and there is no guarantee the views and opinions expressed herein will come to pass. Information contained herein is subject to change without notice and should not be considered a solicitation to buy or sell any security. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial adviser prior to investing. This information does not constitute legal or tax advice and is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized legal or tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific legal or tax issues with a qualified tax adviser or attorney.  Additionally, this document contains forward-looking statements that indicate future possibilities. Due to known and unknown risks, other uncertainties and factors, actual results may differ materially from the expectations portrayed in such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. This document should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change without prior notice. 
To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment adviser, please note that LRIA is not an affiliate of and makes no representation with respect to such entity. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Copyright © 2015-2018 Leonard Rickey Investment Advisors – All rights reserved.

Company News

Employee Spotlight – Jacqueline Cremen

Shreds and Meds Day – October 28th at The Valley Mall

Employee Spotlight: Chelsie Smith

Employee Spotlight: Dirk Bernd

Congratulations, Gunnar!

Market Commentary

2023 4th Quarter Investment Commentary

2023 3rd Quarter Investment Commentary

2023 2nd Quarter Investment Commentary

Debt Ceiling: Should Investors Worry?

2023 1st Quarter Investment Commentary

Retirement Planning

2024 Key Financial Changes

Social Security Benefit Increase of 3.2% for 2024

The 4 Changes from SECURE Act 2.0 You Should Know for 2023

Medicare Open Enrollment for 2023 Begins October 15th

Social Security Benefit Increase of 8.7% for 2023

Tax Planning

2024 Key Financial Changes

2023 1099 Release Information

2023 Year-End Tax Planning

When do I start my Required Minimum Distribution?

UPDATE: Washington State Long Term Care Payroll Tax

Cyber Security

Red Flags When Transferring Money

Cybersecurity 101 – 2022 Update

Cybersecurity 101

New Changes to Web-Portal Password Requirements

Equifax Data Breach Update: Make a claim today

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.