Protect Yourself from Common Financial Scams

At the Dowling Group, we're committed to helping you safeguard your financial well-being. Scammers are constantly developing new tactics to defraud unsuspecting victims. Stay vigilant by familiarizing yourself with these common financial scams:

  • Phishing Emails and Texts: Scammers often impersonate banks, credit card companies, or other financial institutions to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Be wary of unexpected emails or texts asking you to click links or provide personal data.
  • Investment Fraud: Be skeptical of “guaranteed” high-return investments or pressure to act quickly. Legitimate investments always involve risk and cannot promise unrealistic returns.
  • Romance Scams: Fraudsters on dating sites may try to gain your trust, then ask for money for emergencies or travel expenses. Never send money to someone you haven't met in person.
  • Imposter Scams: Someone may contact you claiming to be from the IRS, law enforcement, or a utility company, demanding immediate payment. Government agencies don't call to request payments.
  • Tech Support Scams: Beware of unsolicited calls or pop-ups claiming your computer is infected. Legitimate tech companies don't contact you this way.
  • Cryptocurrency Scams: Exercise caution with cryptocurrency investments, especially those promising quick riches. Research thoroughly before investing.
  • Job Scams: Be wary of job offers that require you to pay upfront fees or share personal financial information during the application process.

How to Protect Yourself:

  • Never share sensitive information in response to unsolicited contact.
  • Verify the identity of anyone requesting personal or financial data.
  • Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts.
  • Keep software and security systems up-to-date.
  • If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Remember, neither we nor the government will ever ask for your full Social Security number, account passwords, or other sensitive information via email, text, or unsolicited phone calls. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please contact us immediately.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and together we can keep your finances secure.

Wishing you and your families well,
Sean M. Dowling, CFP, EA
President, The Dowling Group Wealth Management

Please feel free to forward this commentary to family, friends, or colleagues. If you would like us to add them to the list, please reply to this e-mail with their e-mail address and we will ask for their permission to be added.

ADV & Investment Objectives: Please contact The Dowling Group if there are any changes in your financial situation or investment objectives, or if you wish to impose, add or modify any reasonable restrictions to the management of your account. Our current disclosure statement is set forth on Part II of Form ADV and is available for your review upon request.