How to Protect Yourself Against Fraud

Fraud and cybercrime are serious threats, so constant vigilance is key. DCM helps safeguard your assets, but you can also protect your information by employing safe practices.

Fraud Prevention

• Be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, and texts asking you to send money or disclose personal information. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up, and call your advisor, using a phone number your advisor has on record.
• Be cautious when receiving money movement instructions via email. Call the sender at the number you usually use (not a number provided in the email) to verbally validate instruction details before giving your approval.
• Do not verbally disclose or enter confidential information in email, or on a laptop or mobile device in public areas where someone could potentially see, hear, or access your information.

Login Credentials

• Do not use personal information such as your Social Security number or birth date as part of your user ID.
• Create a unique password for each institution you do business with; use long passwords that contain a combination of characters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to create, manage, and store passwords that are unique and secure.
• Use two-step verification whenever possible.

Beware of phishing

• Do not click on links or attachments in emails and text messages if you question the sender’s validity. Instead, type the real web address, such as https://www.dcmol.com, in your browser.
• Check if you recognize the domain name in the email address, such as “dcmol.com” in john.doe@dcmol.com. Does it match what you would expect to see?

When communicating with Donaldson

• Contact us at 812.421.3211 to update your personal information. Establish a verbal password to confirm your identity – or request a video meeting.
• Expect us to call you to confirm email requests to trade, move money, or change account information.
• Confirm your identity using Schwab’s voice ID service when calling the Schwab Alliance team for support.
• Use two-factor authentication, which requires that you enter a unique code each time you access your Schwab accounts.
• If you suspect fraud, call DCM at 812.421.3211. We can watch for suspicious activity and collaborate with you on other steps to take. For more information, read Schwab’s Identity Theft Checklist.

Click here for print-friendly article.