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.
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