"Auction' e-mails don't rate with Finra

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. is warning investors to be on the lookout for scam e-mails that promise refunds of $1.5 million to auction rate security investors.
OCT 18, 2009
By  Bloomberg
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. is warning investors to be on the lookout for scam e-mails that promise refunds of $1.5 million to auction rate security investors. In an alert issued this month, Finra said that the e-mails appear to be coming from the regulator itself. “The e-mail requests personal information from investors, and could be used for identity theft or another scam,” said Gerri Walsh, vice president of investor education. The message appears somewhat legitimate because it doesn't ask for account data or Social Security numbers, she said. Scams often engage investors first and then set them up for a fraud by obtaining more information or soliciting money, Ms. Walsh said. Investors and advisers who see a phony e-mail should forward it to Finra's whistleblower office at [email protected].

Latest News

Alaris Acquisitions CEO: AI-driven staff reductions could boost RIA valuations
Alaris Acquisitions CEO: AI-driven staff reductions could boost RIA valuations

CEO Allen Darby sees a coming shift in M&A dynamics as AI eliminates clerical roles at RIAs, leaving buyers and sellers to negotiate who benefits from the added margin.

Private equity in 401(k)s is 'inevitable,' says Meketa Capital CEO
Private equity in 401(k)s is 'inevitable,' says Meketa Capital CEO

Michael Bell explains how the PE push in retirement plans will benefit investors, why warnings around risks may be overplayed, and what it will take to get plan fiduciaries comfortable with private investments.

IRA rollovers from DC plans to hit $1.15T by 2030, LIMRA says
IRA rollovers from DC plans to hit $1.15T by 2030, LIMRA says

Research highlights the dominant role of workplace retirement plans and breaks down the major factors dictating workers' IRA rollover decisions.

GReminders unveils autonomous AI assistant for financial advisors
GReminders unveils autonomous AI assistant for financial advisors

The wealth tech firm is rolling out its "Do Anything" assistant as leaders and strategists tout the next evolution of artificial intelligence.

Court strikes down SEC CAT funding plan, puts broker-dealer costs under fire
Court strikes down SEC CAT funding plan, puts broker-dealer costs under fire

Appeals court overturns SEC’s CAT funding plan, broker-dealers face new uncertainty.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.