Online Scams: How to Spot and Stop Them Before It’s Too Late Fraudsters are getting smarter — and more personal. One in three adults will face an online scam attempt this year, and even the most tech-savvy among us can be caught off guard. In this recent Well Balanced podcast, Chief Compliance Officer Suzy Klapperich and Vector advisor Charlie Gruys discuss the rising threat of online scams, including a real client experience that shows just how convincing these attacks can be. “My client saw a big red warning on his screen saying his computer was infected,” Charlie explains. “The message told him to call Microsoft immediately — but that number went straight to the scammers.” These scams are designed to create panic. They mimic trusted companies, use countdown timers, and even include robotic voices warning you not to shut down your computer. In the rush to “fix” the problem, many victims unknowingly give criminals remote access to their devices and financial information. Prevent and Protect Suzy and Charlie share a few key steps to prevent — and respond to — fraud attempts: Don’t call the number. If you see a pop-up or urgent message, close your browser window. Never grant remote access unless you initiated the request with a verified company. Call your advisor or a trusted family member if you’re unsure whether something is legitimate. A quick conversation can stop a phishing attempt or scam in its tracks. Have a trusted contact on file at Vector. This gives your advisor someone to reach out to if something looks suspicious and you’re unavailable. If you think you’ve been targeted, act fast. Contact your advisor or financial institution right away. Even if you’ve already shared personal information, firms and custodians have safeguards that can help freeze accounts and limit damage. These scams are designed to trick you into opening the door. By staying alert and knowing scammer’s tactics, you can stop or limit the impact if something does occur. The Bottom Line Scams aren’t going away, but with awareness, communication, and the right safeguards, you can manage and limit risk. Remember — if something feels urgent, frightening, or too good to be true, it probably is. If you’d like to learn more about protecting your financial accounts, reach out to your advisor at Vector Wealth Management. Visit vectorwealth.com/cyber-security for more information. Chapters: Introduction (0:00) The Scam Threat (0:49) Real-Life Example (1:09) How Scams Work (1:49) Protecting Yourself (2:28) Trusted Contacts (3:00) Regulatory (4:57) - All content discussed in our podcasts, videos, or related blog articles are for informational purposes and should not be construed as individualized financial advice. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Vector Wealth Management, our staff, and guests. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources, however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. All information and ideas should be discussed directly and in detail with your financial advisor prior to implementation of a strategy or investment. This podcast and related content are not intended to render personalized investment advice, nor should it be viewed as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities or strategies discussed. Please note that neither Vector Wealth Management nor any of its agents give legal or tax advice. The firm is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting. Charts, graphs, and returns do not represent the performance of Vector Wealth Management or any of its advisory clients. Returns presented do not reflect the impact that advisory fees and other expenses would on the results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment, asset category, or strategy will be suitable or profitable for a client’s portfolio. vectorwealth.com/regulatory - V25288284
