Investor Awareness

Fraud Advisories

Be Aware of Online Scams

With the continued use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies, fraud and online scams are increasing at a rapid pace. It is more important than ever to ensure your personal information and finances are secured from outside threats and scammers trying to gain access to your information.

Scammers may impersonate financial institutions through emails, phone calls, or text messages requesting personal or account information. It is imperative to never disclose personal information over the phone or online to untrusted parties. Below are ways that can help consumers be proactive in protecting their identities.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

• Create complex passwords and avoid using the same one across multiple sites.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Utilize multi-factor authentication such as a text message or one time code as an added layer of account security.

Be Cautious with Emails and Links

• Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious emails.
• Always verify the sender’s email address.
• Be aware of urgent messages asking for personal or financial information.
• Legitimate institutions will never ask for sensitive data via email or text.

Check Website URLs

• Ensure websites are secure by looking for “https://” in the address bar.
• Avoid entering personal info on unfamiliar or untrusted sites.

Monitor Financial Accounts Regularly

• Review bank and credit card statements frequently to spot unauthorized transactions early.

Report Suspicious Activity Immediately

• Contact your financial institution and report fraud to relevant authorities (e.g., FTC or local police).

More information on how to protect your personal information online can be found on the FTC Consumer Page.

Please reach out to our client services team at (888) 382-4727 if you suspect any potentially fraudulent activity.

How to Identify Fraud and Scams

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), financial fraudsters tend to target those with higher incomes who are self-reliant, college-educated, and optimistic or open to new ideas. As an individual that is saving for retirement, or near retirement, you can be at a higher risk for being targeted by a financial fraudster.

While it is ultimately your responsibility as the account owner to conduct due diligence and evaluate potential investments, we make our clients aware of investment fraud warning signs through education.

Signs of a potentially fraudulent investment:

• It sounds “too good to be true”
• Promise of excessive rates of return
• Pressure to “act fast”
• Incomplete investment documentation
• Assurance that the investment is “safe and secure”

With assistance from the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA) and regulatory education, Equity Trust has compiled a list of governmental and industry resources to help you combat fraud, as a self-directed investor.

Equity Trust Alert: Be Vigilant of Potential Scam Callers Impersonating Equity Trust Employees

• View the Alert and Find out What to Look For

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA – investor.gov) Investor Alerts and Bulletins:

• Self-Directed IRAs and the Risk of Fraud — Investor Alert
• Broadly Advertised Investments — Investor Alert
• Frauds Targeting Main Street Investors — Investor Alert

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA)

• Joint Effort Launches to Warn Retirees about Precious Metals Fraud and Gives Tips on Protecting Themselves

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Advice:

• Money Mule Scams: Infographic

Please note: Outside of FDIC insured investment products, all investments carry risk including loss of principal. No governmental agency or IRA custodian approves or guarantees investments.

Scam & Fraud Resources

Resources to help combat fraud:

Avoiding Fraud in 2025
Updated tips from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission on protecting yourself from fraudsters.

Due Diligence Information
Review and gain knowledge into investigating investment options, gathering information, and making informed decisions.

Identifying Scams, Ponzi Schemes & Other Fraud
Discover the questions to ask to spot signs of a fraudulent investment or scam.

Types of Schemes and Scams
Learn the different types of fraudulent investments and investment scams.

Check Before You Invest Checklist – A checklist developed by the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA) for self-directed investors.

Check Before You Invest Questions – Questions developed by the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA) to help evaluate the soundness, prudence and merit of investments.

Fighting Fraud 101 – A free e-book on fraud prevention from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Internet Scam Information

Protect Your Personal Information from Hackers and Scammers 
here are resources to protect the information on your devices and online accounts.

Passwords are Key to Online Safety – Tips for stronger, more secure passwords and why passwords are so important.

Reporting Fraud and Scams

If you know or suspect that you are the victim of investment fraud, please notify Equity Trust immediately by calling 888-382-4727. You should also file reports with the following key agencies:

• The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) https://www.sec.gov/tcr
• Your state’s regulatory authority, refer to the list of state regulatory offices provided by the North American Securities Administration Association (NASAA).

Equity Trust Company provides education to its clients to give them information to assist them with fraud awareness.

Additional References

Investor.gov
The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy provides information to help you invest wisely and avoid fraud, providing helpful examples of fraud.

CFTC.gov
The mission of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission is to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of the U.S. derivatives markets through sound regulation. Their vision is to be the global standard for sound derivatives regulation.

NASAA.org
The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) is the oldest international organization devoted to investor protection and offers many tips to help spot and avoid investment fraud.

FINRA.org
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the largest independent regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States and provides resources to spot red flags.

SaveAndInvest.org
A project of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, this unbiased resource site offers free tools dedicated to helping you make informed decisions regarding your financial health.

AARP.org
An organization dedicated to the well-being of Americans over the age of 50, the American Association of Retired Persons has many resources to help protect seniors against fraud.

RITAUS.org
The Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA) is a professional trade association for the self-directed retirement plan industry that provides resources to help prevent fraud aimed at investors.

SEC.gov
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) provides information on reporting a Ponzi scheme, pyramid scheme, high-yield investment program, fraudulent offering or other potential fraud or violation.

IRS.gov
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) lists consumer alerts for tax scams, phony tax arguments and identity theft scams.

Retirement Calculators

RMD and 401(k) Contribution Calculators

Available from the SEC Investor.gov website:

• Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator

Available from AARP.org:

• Individual 401(k) Contribution Calculator