In today’s fast-paced digital world, fraud is becoming more common and sophisticated. Regardless of age, occupation and life stage, anyone can be a target of fraud. At Raymond James Ltd., safeguarding your assets and protecting you from fraud is our priority.

Know How Scams Begin

Scammers use a variety of methods to initiate contact and manipulate individuals into transferring funds under false pretenses.

• Phishing communications such as deceiving emails, text messages, or phone calls.
• Misleading online advertisements and websites designed to appear legitimate.
• Pop-up messages on electronic devices requesting access or prompting immediate action.

These tactics are constructed to manipulate victims into clicking into fraudulent websites and disclosing personal information, account information, and passwords, ultimately leading victims to transfer funds.

Know the Common Characteristics of Scams

While scams come in many forms, they often share recognizable traits. Understanding these common characteristics can help you spot potential threats early and protect yourself from financial loss.

• Emotional manipulation: Scammers often try to gain your trust by creating a sense of urgency, fear, or excitement.
• Too good to be true: If an offer promises unusually high returns or fast money with little risk, it’s likely a scam.
• Unsolicited advice: Be cautious of unexpected messages or calls offering investment tips or financial opportunities.
• Isolation tactics: Fraudsters may discourage you from speaking with trusted individuals such as family members or financial advisors, preventing you from recognizing the scam.
• Artificial intelligence and deepfakes: Scammers are leveraging advanced technologies to create highly convincing fraudulent websites, emails, and messages. These scams may feature impersonated government officials, celebrities, or trusted individuals to appear more legitimate and credible.

Be Skeptical

At Raymond James, protecting your personal and financial information is a top priority. Here are some practical steps you can take to help prevent fraud and stay secure:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: Be cautious of unsolicited communications and avoid granting remote access to your computer.
• Do your research: Before sharing personal information or making payments, verify the legitimacy of the sender, investment firms and online stores. Contact the agency or company through their legitimate websites and contact numbers.
• Review email address: When reading emails, verify that the email is sent from the legitimate email address. Scammers often change one or two letters in the email address to deceive recipients.
• Think before you click: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments.

Do you think you’re a victim of fraud?

• Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC): https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
• Notify your Raymond James Financial Advisor: Your Financial Advisor can help guide you through next steps and monitor your accounts for further risks.

Securities-related products and services are offered through Raymond James Ltd. (RJL), regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) and a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RJL financial/investment advisors are not tax advisors, and we recommend that clients seek independent advice from a professional advisor on tax-related matters. Insurance products and services are offered through Raymond James Financial Planning Ltd., which is not regulated by CIRO and is not a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Solus Trust Company (“STC”) is an affiliate of Raymond James Ltd. and offers trust services across Canada. STC is not regulated by CIRO and is not a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.