Scams targeting investors have become both frequent and convincing. Messages can mimic banks, government agencies, custodians, or familiar professionals—while pressing you to act quickly. The pattern we see most: urgency, secrecy, and new or changed payment instructions.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but these practices apply year-round. A 60-second verification step can prevent costly mistakes. Hilltop will never ask for your one-time passcodes, accept gift cards or cryptocurrency, or pressure you to move money on the spot. We only act on payment or contact changes after confirming with you at a known phone number.
Quick Red-Flag Checklist
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Payment changes: new or “updated” wiring/ACH details arriving by email or text.
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Urgency or secrecy: “act now,” “today only,” “do not tell anyone,” or threats of penalties.
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Requests for codes or access: one-time passcodes (OTP), MFA codes, or remote control of your device.
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Unusual payment methods: gift cards or cryptocurrency.
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Look-alike senders/links: subtle email/domain misspellings, mismatched URLs, unexpected attachments.
If any item above appears, pause and verify with us first.
Common Scenarios to Watch
Government impersonators
Calls, emails, or texts claiming to be from the IRS, SSA/Medicare, or law enforcement, demanding immediate payment or threatening arrest/loss of benefits. Genuine agencies do not demand gift cards or crypto and don’t threaten arrest by phone.
Business Email Compromise (BEC)
A realistic-looking email asks you to change wiring details, buy gift cards, or update direct deposit. The message often uses correct logos and signatures, but the sender’s address or URL is slightly altered.
Tech/“refund” support
A pop-up or caller claims your device is infected or a refund is due, then asks for remote access or wants you logged into your bank to “process” it. This frequently escalates to theft.
“Guaranteed” investment pitches
Promises of high returns with little risk, coupled with pressure to act quickly or move funds off-platform.
Romance/sweepstakes
Emotional pressure or “fees” to claim a prize. Requests for personal information, payment, or continued secrecy are red flags.
Before You Act: 60-Second Verification
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Pause. Do not click links or open attachments from unexpected messages.
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Verify independently. Use a phone number you already have saved for our team (or on our website), or type a trusted URL yourself—not the number or link in the message.
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Treat remote-access requests as a stop sign. Do not grant control of your device or call numbers shown in pop-ups.
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Call Hilltop before moving money or sharing codes. We will help you validate the request.
If You Already Clicked or Paid
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Call us immediately. We’ll help you notify custodians/financial institutions and prioritize next steps.
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Change passwords on email and financial accounts; enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where available.
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Set alerts/monitor accounts and document dates, amounts, sender addresses, phone numbers, and links involved.
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Stop contact with the suspected scammer; verify only through known channels.
Download Our Quick Guide
For a concise, client-friendly reference, download Investor Scam Prevention: Quick Guide (PDF). It summarizes red flags, the most common scams, and step-by-step actions if you’re affected.
Verify a Request?
If something feels off or if any payment details have “changed”, speak with us first. We only act on changes after confirming with you at a known number.
Verify with Hilltop → (574)889-7526
Hilltop Wealth Solutions (“Hilltop”) is a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. SEC registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Please refer to our Form ADV Part 2A disclosure and Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS) for additional information regarding the qualifications and business practices of Hilltop. Hilltop Wealth Solutions, LLC is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser firm. Hilltop Tax Solutions, LLC, is an affiliate of Hilltop. Wealth Solutions that provides tax and bookkeeping services.
