Buyback or Dividend?
Stock buybacks, also known as share repurchases, have been in the news lately after a flurry of them happened this year.
Recently, there has been a continued increase in fraudulent and criminal activity. Now more than ever, you may be targeted financially through a variety of schemes. This checklist covers common threats and scams, ensuring that you are informed and actively protecting your identity and assets.
This checklist covers:
Do you use the same password to log into multiple websites?
If so, consider making unique passwords for each website you log into or use a password manager.
Do you need to review if you are using two-factor authentication to log into websites?
Do you use common phrases, words, or personal information in your passwords?
If so, consider making passwords that are harder to guess.
Do you share your login credentials with other people?
Do you need to update your browser, anti-virus software or operating system?
If so, cybercriminals may be able to access your computer.
Do you receive unsolicited emails asking you to click on links or download attachments?
If so, you may be subject to phishing scams, where you are lured into clicking links or opening attachments. Instead of clicking any links, navigate to the page on your own to avoid being redirected to a compromised site. Do not open any attachments.
Are images in emails set to download to your computer automatically?
If so, consider turning this feature off as cybercriminals can use code embedded in images to gain access to your computer.
Do you share lots of your personal information on social media sites?
If so, consider making your social media accounts private where possible. This makes it more difficult for anyone you do not know to see what you have posted. Some cybercriminals will look on these sites for key information (place of birth or mother’s maiden name) that can aid them in resetting passwords associated with your accounts.
Have you received odd requests or links from friends or family?
If so, consider calling the sender to verify the email before clicking anything in the email. The sender’s email account may have been hacked and the email was not sent by the person you know.
Do you download apps to your phone?
If so, consider researching all apps and/or app developers before you install them and give them permission to use your data. Cybercriminals can build legitimate-looking apps that can steal your data and monitor your phone’s actions.
If you have minor children, do you need to take steps to protect them online?
If so, check privacy settings on their social media accounts and talk with them about issues raised in this checklist.
If you are a business owner, do you need to create a cybersecurity plan for your business?
If so, ensure that policies are in place for business operations (such as a confirmation call before electronic transfers occur).
Has your data been stolen because of a third-party data breach? If so, consider the following:
Have you received calls from someone claiming to be from a government agency offering relief payments?
If so, this could be a scam. Do not provide them with any information.
Have you received calls asking for personal information?
If so, call the business or organization back using a number you know to be accurate.
Have you recently met someone online, and they are asking for money even though you have not met in person?
If so, they may be trying to take advantage of you. This is known as a romance scam. Do not provide them with money.
Have you received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration?
If so, they may be trying to convince you to provide them with your Social Security Number or bank account information. This is known as a Social Security scam. Do not provide them with any information.
Have you received a phone call, email, or text message from someone claiming to be from the IRS?
If so, this may be a tax scam. The IRS does not contact taxpayers by phone, email, or text message to request or discuss personal or financial information.
Have you received a phone call from someone claiming to be a Medicare representative?
If so, they may be trying to convince you to provide them with your personal information (including your Medicare number). This is known as a Medicare scam. Do not provide them with any information.
Have you received a phone call from someone claiming to be your grandchild and asking for money?
If so, this may be a scam known as a grandparent scam. Contact family members and do not wire funds or otherwise transfer money without reliable confirmation that the caller is indeed your grandchild.
Have you unexpectedly won a sweepstakes, gift card, or lottery?
If so, this may be a scam known as a sweepstakes scam. The scam may involve you having to pay a fee in order to receive the supposed winnings.
Have you received an email with a username and/or password of yours in the subject line?
If so, the cybercriminal may have credentials from a single compromised website but claim to have access to all of your devices and accounts. This is known as a spearfishing scam.
Have you received a phone call from someone claiming to be from your bank or credit union about stolen money from your account?
If so, this may be a scam trying to convince you that you need to act fast to move money and/or assist them in verifying your personal information.
Do you want to add a further layer of security and privacy to your online activity?
If so, consider setting up a virtual private network (VPN) from a reliable provider.
Do you need extra support in monitoring your cybersecurity?
If so, consider Identity Theft Protection services that can monitor your credit scores, new account openings, and suspicious activity on your behalf.
Do you need to review your Identity Theft Insurance Policies?
If so, consider the following:
Have you been the victim of the above scams or other forms of fraud?
If so, consider the following:
This checklist was prepared and first distributed by fp PATHFINDER.
DISCLAIMERS
This material is intended for general public use. By providing this material, we are not undertaking to provide investment advice for any specific individual or situation, or to otherwise act in a fiduciary capacity. Please contact one of our financial professionals for guidance and information specific to your individual situation. This is not an offer to buy or sell a security.
Shore Point Advisors is an investment adviser located in Brielle, New Jersey. Shore Point Advisors is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Registration of an investment adviser does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission. Shore Point Advisors only transacts business in states in which it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration. Insurance products and services are offered through JCL Financial, LLC (“JCL”). Shore Point Advisors and JCL are affiliated entities.
Stock buybacks, also known as share repurchases, have been in the news lately after a flurry of them happened this year.
Before investors consider loading up with meme stocks, remember that chasing them is just a form of stock picking and market timing.
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Here is the good news: Stocks have delivered rewarding returns in the long run, even after adjusting for inflation.