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Shielding Your Assets: How to Recognize and Avoid Imposter Fraud in Today's Digital World

by Eric Seyboldt 

As we expand on our ever-growing digital landscape, both retirees and investors are becoming main targets for intricate scams. One of the most perilous is imposter fraud, where scammers pretend to be trustworthy financial institutions or their staff to mislead you. With nearly 500,000 cases reported to the FTC in 2023 alone, it's vital to arm yourself with knowledge. Protecting your hard-earned assets from these crooks isn't just about saving money—it’s about maintaining the financial security you've spent a lifetime building.

Here’s how to identify imposter fraud and take proactive steps to protect your assets and identity.

Know the Red Flags: Unsolicited Offers Are a Major Warning Sign

Imposter fraud often begins with an unsolicited message—whether it's an email, a social media post, or a message on apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger. Scammers may pose as representatives from well-known financial institutions, using company logos, employee names, and even personal photos to appear genuine. However, legitimate firms will never reach out unannounced with investment offers via these channels. For instance, Charles, a retiree from California, got an unsolicited message on social media offering a “guaranteed” high-return investment. He wisely checked directly with his financial advisor and found out the offer was a scam. Always be wary of unsolicited communications, especially those promising quick, easy returns.

Verify Before Granting Remote Access to Your Devices

Scammers are increasingly using technology to ask for remote access to your computer, pretending to fix security issues or detect fraudulent activities. If someone contacts you requesting access—especially if claiming to be from a financial institution—pause and contact the company directly using an official phone number from their public website. Amanda, a retiree from Florida, was contacted by a fraudster claiming to be from her brokerage firm, warning her of suspicious activity on her account. By reaching out to the official customer service line, Amanda dodged a sophisticated scam. Always verify before allowing remote access to your personal devices!

Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links and Heed the Urgency Trap

A common tactic in imposter fraud is creating a sense of urgency. Scam artists often pressure victims to act quickly, promising investment opportunities that are “too good to pass up.” Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers may also send links through text or social media leading to fake websites designed to harvest your personal and financial information. Retirees are particularly at risk, as scammers exploit fears about securing financial futures with high-pressure tactics. The best protection? Stay calm and avoid clicking on any suspicious links.

Do Your Research and Stick to Verified Communication Channels

Before engaging with any investment opportunity or financial service, always verify the authenticity of the individuals and the information presented. Use official channels—such as phone numbers or websites directly from the institution’s website. Fraudsters will go to great lengths to imitate legitimate entities, but official communication methods can clear up any doubts. Charles and Amanda both contacted their financial firms through verified channels, avoiding costly blunders.

In today's interconnected world, imposter fraud poses an increasing risk, but it’s avoidable with caution and knowledge. Protecting your assets means being skeptical of unsolicited offers, verifying identities through trusted sources, and always using official channels for financial dealings. By staying informed and vigilant, you can safeguard your hard-earned wealth and enjoy the peace of mind retirement should bring. Trust your instincts, stay proactive, and ensure your financial future is shielded from scammers.

Reach out to us for a complimentary, 10-minute consultation call. Let's explore together how we can help you protect your assets, ensuring your golden years are as fulfilling and worry-free as you’ve always imagined. Email Eric at [email protected] or give us a call today to schedule your consultation. Let's make your retirement dreams a reality!

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Gold vs. S&P 500: Why Gold is Shining Brighter in 2024

Client: Eric, I’ve always heard that investing in the S&P 500 index is a solid, long-term strategy. But lately, I’ve been seeing headlines about gold outperforming stocks. Should I be concerned about my S&P investments, or is this just a temporary trend?

Eric: At Novus Financial Group, we believe that markets ebb and flow. Historically, the S&P 500 has been a favorite for passive investors, thanks to its steady, long-term growth. However, the current financial environment is breaking from past patterns. Gold, traditionally seen as a hedge against inflation and economic instability, is now experiencing a resurgence—and there's a solid rationale for this.

Driving this change is a volatile mix of rising interest rates, global uncertainty, and ongoing inflation. Central banks worldwide, including the Federal Reserve, have been raising interest rates aggressively to control inflation. This move may help stabilize the broader economy but also puts pressure on equities. Companies in the S&P 500, which depend heavily on borrowing, are seeing increased costs that cut into their profits, impacting stock returns.

Conversely, gold flourishes during financial uncertainty. As investors witness currency devaluation and stock market struggles, they turn to gold for its perceived safety. This has led to a significant rise in gold prices due to increased demand. While the S&P 500 battles with inflationary pressures, gold remains less affected by the same economic forces, making it a reliable option for those seeking stability.

Geopolitical tensions further complicate the scenario. Issues such as trade wars, conflicts in Eastern Europe, and political unrest greatly influence investor behavior. During such uncertain times, fear prompts caution, and gold often becomes the preferred asset. The combination of these global economic factors explains why gold has been outperforming the S&P 500 in 2024.

Client: But Eric, shouldn’t I be concerned about the long-term prospects of gold? It doesn’t produce income or dividends like stocks do.

Eric: You’re correct—gold doesn’t generate dividends or traditional earnings. However, its true value is in preserving wealth and acting as a hedge during market turbulence. In today’s climate, where inflation erodes purchasing power and uncertainty affects the markets, including gold in a diversified portfolio is crucial. It’s not about abandoning stocks; it’s about recognizing gold’s current role as a safeguard against economic turmoil.

As the world navigates through economic uncertainty, gold stands out as a stable asset. While the S&P 500 may eventually recover, the current volatility highlights the enduring importance of having a safety net. Although gold doesn’t pay dividends, it often remains resilient when other assets falter.

Get a free GOLD IRA Guide by clicking the link at the end of this week’s newsletter.

Contact us for a free, brief 10-minute consultation. Together, we can discuss ways to safeguard your wealth and ensure your retirement years are as enjoyable and stress-free as you've envisioned. To arrange your consultation, send an email to Eric at [email protected] or call us today. We're here to help turn your retirement aspirations into reality.

Fixed annuities can be an essential component of a well-rounded retirement strategy, offering security, predictability, and efficiency in financial planning.

Here are current fixed annuity rates and their durations from Top A-rated carriers (subject to change at any time, not FDIC insured):

The First Fed Decrease of .25% Is Here! Don’t Wait To Lock These Fixed Annuity Rates In Today!

3-year: 4.85% (under $100k Deposited)

3-year: 5.15% (over $100k Deposited)

5-year: 5.20% (under $100k Deposited)

5-year: 5.60% (over $100k Deposited)

Please feel free to email Eric at [email protected] if you’d like to ask any questions or request information on these fixed annuities or other retirement topics that are on your mind.

REAL ASSETS, Invest Like the Ultra-Wealthy 

Have You Considered Adding ‘Real Assets’ like Gold or Bourbon to Your Investment Portfolio?

Given the current economic uncertainties, many wise investors are opting for physical assets to protect their retirement savings. Tangible investments such as gold and even bourbon barrels are growing in popularity. These Real Assets serve as a robust defense against the consequences of excessive money printing and rising prices. They also provide excellent diversification opportunities during periods of economic stability.

Historically, physical assets have consistently outperformed other types of investments during economic downturns and market instability. They offer reliable protection against potential financial upheavals. Including tangible assets in your investment strategy can be both wise and rewarding.

Considering today's economic volatility, investing in physical assets could be a prudent way to maintain the resilience of your financial plans. Would you like to explore how these tangible investments might enhance your portfolio?

Allocating funds into the asset class known as “Real Assets” may be a strategy that you should consider.

Ask us how to Rollover a portion of Your IRA or 401k To A BOURBON IRA (www.bourbon.fund/how-it-works/) or a GOLD IRA (see link below) and:

• Safeguard your assets from the collapsing dollar

• Incorporate the ‘REAL ASSET’ class into your portfolio like the ultra-wealthy

• Hedge against the current high-inflation conditions

• Protect your retirement assets against economic crises

Just get in touch. We make it easier than ever.

Feedback or Questions?

You’re invited to get in touch with us if you’d like to find out how the Novus Financial Group can help you on your journey to a happy, fulfilling life in Retirement. 

We have a lot of great information, as well as podcasts from our radio show ‘The Financial Insider’, and tools on our website - www.novusfg.com.

[email protected] www.novusfg.com [email protected]

Office: 614-943-2265

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Investment advisory services are offered by duly registered individuals on behalf of CreativeOne Wealth, LLC a Registered Investment Adviser. CreativeOne Wealth, LLC and Novus Financial Group are unaffiliated entities.

The content we provide here isn’t financial advice and cannot be taken as such. Please speak to your financial advisor before making any investment decision. Also, note that every investment comes with its risks and drawbacks. Lastly, we would like to remind you that past results cannot guarantee future returns.

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