The Federal Trade Commission received over 1.8 million consumer complaints in 2011 (see graph). More than half of these were for various types of fraud. Despite improved consumer education and tighter controls, criminals continue to come up with new ways to separate unwitting victims from their hard-earned money.
A list of potential scams would fill many pages, but here are three relatively new ones to watch out for.¹
- Cut your credit-card rate! An unsolicited caller offers to help you reduce your credit-card interest rate for a fee, and you must fill out a financial profile with account numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal information. The scammer may arrange a conference call with your credit-card company and ask for a fee reduction, which is usually refused and could have been requested yourself. You are out the fee and at risk for the misuse of your personal information.
- You’ve won a free gift! You receive a call from a local store claiming that you have won a gift or a gift card but must go to the store to pick it up. The call could really be from a thief who wants to get you out of your home in order to break in while you’re gone. If you receive this type of offer, call the store immediately and contact your local police if the offer appears to be a ruse.
- Enter this online auction! A pop-up window appears while you are online inviting you to bid on a popular item, typically electronics, but you have to provide your cellphone number to enter. When you submit your entry, you receive a text message to your phone that you have subscribed to a paid “service,” which you may not notice on your bill. This trick is called “cramming.” Protect your cellphone number just as you protect other account numbers.
Remember, fraud never sleeps, so consumers have to stay wide awake! For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website, www.ftc.gov.
1) Consumer Reports, October 2012
INVESTING RISK DISCLOSURE
Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time and you may gain or lose money. Before investing, consider the funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Mahoney Asset Management for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.
IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION
This web site has been prepared solely for informational purposes. It is not an offer to buy or sell any security; nor is it a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security.This site and the opinions and information therein are based on sources which we believe to be dependable, but we can not guarantee the accuracy of such information.
Representatives of a broker-dealer or investment adviser may only conduct business in a state if the representatives and the broker-dealer or investment adviser they represent: (a) satisfy the qualification requirements of, and are approved to do business by, the state; or (b) are excluded or exempted from the state’s licenser requirements.
An investor may obtain information concerning a broker-dealer, an investment advisor, or a representative of a broker-dealer or an investment advisor, including their licenser status and disciplinary history, by contacting the investor’s state securities law administrator.
The financial calculator results shown represent analysis and estimates based on the assumptions you have provided, but they do not reflect all relevant elements of your personal situation. The actual effects of your financial decisions may vary significantly from these estimates–so these estimates should not be regarded as predictions, advice, or recommendations. Mahoney Asset Managment does not provide legal or tax advice. Be sure to consult with your own tax and legal advisors before taking any action that would have tax consequences.
SECURITIES: ARE NOT FDIC-INSURED/ARE NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE
This information is intended for use only by residents of CA, CT, DC, FL,, MA, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, and VA. Ken Mahoney may only conduct securities business with residents of the states and/or jurisdiction for which they are properly registered.
Securities offered through Newbridge Securities Corporation, member FINRA, SIPC.
Investment Advisory services through NFSG Corporation an SEC Registered Investment Advisor.
Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction: 1200 N. Federal Hwy., Ste. 400, Boca Raton, FL 33432. Phone 954.334.3450 Fax 954.489.2390
Specific recommendations can only be based on review of a number of suitability factors including but not limited to the investors financial profile, investment objectives, risk tolerance and the investors review of appropriate offering documents. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. To help you make informed decisions, we provide you with essential disclosures, such as Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), the Client Relationship Summary (CRS), and Form ADV. Linked sites are strictly provided as a courtesy. Newbridge Securities, Inc. does not guarantee, approve nor endorse the information or products available at the sites, nor do links indicate any association with or endorsement of the linked sites by Newbridge Securities.
