As valued clients of Luna Investment Management, it is crucial to be aware of the increasing risks posed by cyber-crime and fraud. These threats can jeopardise your financial security and personal information. Understanding these risks and knowing how to recognise and respond to scams can help protect your investments and personal data.
The Growing Threat of Cyber Crime
Cyber criminals are continually developing sophisticated techniques to exploit vulnerabilities. In the financial sector, these crimes can include:
- Phishing Attacks: Fraudsters use emails, texts, or calls to trick you into providing personal information or accessing malicious websites.
- Identity Theft: Cyber criminals steal personal data to commit fraud or access financial accounts.
- Investment Scams: Fake investment opportunities are created to lure you into transferring funds to fraudulent accounts.
- Account Takeovers: Unauthorised access to your financial accounts can lead to significant financial loss.
Recognising Common Scams
Awareness is your first line of defence. Here are common signs of scams:
- Unsolicited Communications:
- Be cautious of unexpected calls, emails, or messages claiming to be from financial institutions or investment firms.
- Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, urging immediate action to avoid missing out on opportunities, do not open links claiming to change your password or close a compromised account.
- Suspicious Website names (URLs) and Email Addresses:
- Check for slight misspellings or unusual domain names in email addresses and website names (URLs).
- Be aware of unusual language in an email purported to be from your adviser. Often a name known to you will appear on the email header but please make sure you are comfortable that the underlying email address is correct. This should match the domain of the company the email is being sent from i.e., @lunaim.com
- Official communication from our firm will always come from our verified domain, https://lunaim.com/
- Requests for Personal Information:
- Legitimate firms will not ask you for your passwords.
- Verify any requests by contacting Luna directly on 01615183500 or by using the official contact information provided on our website, https://lunaim.com
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers:
- Be wary of investment opportunities that promise exceptionally high returns with little to no risk.
- Always conduct thorough research and consult with your investment advisor before making decisions. We are happy to provide guidance to our clients.
- Attachments and Links:
- Avoid clicking on attachments or links in unsolicited emails. They could contain malware designed to steal your information or take you to a fraudulent website.
Protecting Yourself from Cyber Crime
- Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords and change them regularly. Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Even if a password is compromised, the second factor provides an additional layer of protection. Luna operates a 2FA system for online access to your portfolio’s through the Luna Portal
- Regularly Monitor Accounts: Frequently review your bank and investment accounts for unauthorised transactions.
- Secure Your Devices: Keep your computer and mobile devices secure with updated antivirus software and firewalls. Device manufacturers and app developers will usually release software updates regularly. They will often contain security patches and new security features, both of which it is important to install.
What to Do If You Are Targeted
If you suspect you are being targeted by a scam, take the following steps immediately:
- Do Not Engage: Avoid responding to suspicious messages or calls. Do not click on any links or download attachments.
- Verify the Source: Contact Luna directly using the contact information on our official website, https://lunaim.com/, to verify the authenticity of the communication.
- Report the Incident: Inform us of the suspicious activity so we can take appropriate action to protect your account and others.
- Change Your Passwords: Immediately update passwords for your financial and personal accounts using an independent route e.g. using a new web session from a different device
- Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close watch on your accounts for any unusual activity and report it promptly.
If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it to Action Fraud as soon as possible. You can do this by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting the Action Fraud website at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
More information can also be found below:
Conclusion
Staying informed and vigilant is crucial in protecting yourself from cyber-crime and fraud. Our firm is committed to safeguarding your investments and personal information, but your proactive efforts are equally important. By recognising the signs of scams and knowing how to respond, you can help ensure your financial security in the digital age.
For more information or if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your safety and security are our top priorities
The content in this publication is for your general information and use only and is not intended to address your particular requirements. Articles should not be relied upon in their entirety and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute, advice. Although endeavours have been made to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of their particular situation. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of any articles. Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts. Levels and bases of, and reliefs from, taxation are subject to change and their value depends on the individual circumstances of the investor. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.