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Stay Vigilant Against Cyber Thieves this Holiday Season!

Published: December 18, 2024

Cyber criminals do not take vacations during the holiday season! Unfortunately, this is their busy season, when most of us typically process numerous online transactions. In fact, Charles Schwab & Co., the custodian for many of our clients’ accounts, has seen a sharp uptick in phishing (fraudulent emails), smishing (fraudulent texts), and vishing (phone scams) attacks targeting individuals. These communications appear to be from a legitimate financial institution and attempt to solicit private identity or financial information directly, ask you to call a fraudulent number, or visit a fraudulent malicious website.

We urge you to be extra cautious and take steps to protect yourself against cybercrime. Keep in mind that a legitimate institution is not going to ask you to share personal identification or financial account information by email, text, or phone. If you do receive a request for information, please contact Klingenstein Fields Advisors or your custodian directly to report the communication. Below is a helpful example of a fraudulent request.

 

Stay safe!

Important Disclosures

This material is provided for informational or educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, accounting, tax or legal advice. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation. This communication is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind. It is not provided in a fiduciary capacity and may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions. Nothing herein constitutes or should be construed as an offering of advisory services or an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities or a recommendation to invest in any specific investment strategy. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. The views expressed herein are as of a particular point in time and are subject to change without notice. The information and opinions presented herein are general in nature and have been obtained from, or are based on, sources believed by Klingenstein Fields Advisors (“KF Advisors’) to be reliable, but KF Advisors makes no representation as to their accuracy or completeness. Although the information provided is carefully reviewed, KF Advisors cannot be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss resulting from applying any of the information provided. KF Advisors represents two investment advisers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission: Klingenstein, Fields & Co., L.P. ® and KF Group, LP. If you are a KF Advisors client, please remember that it remains your responsibility to advise KF Advisors, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services, or if you would like to impose, add, or to modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services.