On August 6, 2013, FINRA issued a new investor alert called Cold Calls From Brokerage Firm Imposters—Beware of Old-Fashioned Phishing, to warn investors of cold calls from scammers falsely claiming to be representatives of at least one well-known brokerage firm. In this latest twist on phishing scams, fraudsters are cold calling investors claiming to offer information about certificates of deposit with yields well above the best rates in the market in an attempt to get potential victims to divulge their personal or financial account information. Armed with this information, the fraudsters may attempt to steal the person’s identity or money.
FINRA is reminding investors who receive unsolicited telephone calls never to provide personal information or authorize any transfer of funds to any unknown person.
“Cold Calls from Brokerage Firm Imposters” advises investors who feel they are victims of this scam to act quickly and contact their financial institution immediately to report a loss or theft of funds through an electronic funds transfer. Anyone who believes his or her identity has been stolen can follow the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft action plan. FINRA also encourages investors to file a complaint using its online Complaint Center or send a tip to FINRA’s Office of the Whistleblower.
Any investor interested in speaking with a securities attorney may contact David A. Weintraub, P.A., 7805 SW 6 Court, Plantation, FL 33324. By phone: 954.693.7577 or 800.718.1422