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    • Feb 28, 2022

Tips for Preventing Cybercrime and Fraud


Cybercrime and fraud are serious threats and constant vigilance is key. While Clarity Financial Design plays an important role in helping protect your assets, you can also take action to protect yourself and help secure your information. This checklist summarizes common cyber fraud tactics, along with tips and best practices. Many suggestions may be things you’re doing now, while others may be new. We also cover actions to take if you suspect that your personal information has been compromised. If you have questions, we’re here to help.


Cybercriminals exploit our increasing reliance on technology. Methods used to compromise a victim’s identity or login credentials – such as malware, phishing, and social engineering – are increasingly sophisticated and difficult to spot. A fraudster’s goal is to obtain information to access your account and assets or sell your information for this purpose. Fortunately, criminals often take the path of least resistance. Following best practices and applying caution when sharing information or executing transactions makes a big difference.


Safe practices for communicating with our firm

Clarity Financial Design prioritizes security in the way we collect, maintain, and protect your personal information.

  • Keep us informed regarding changes to your personal information.

  • Expect us to call you to confirm email requests to move money, trade, or change account information. We will always verbally confirm any requests for updates or money movement.

How Schwab protects your account

Schwab takes your security seriously and leverages protocols and policies to help protect your financial assets. Below are actions you can take to reinforce their efforts and resources to assist you in keeping your account safe:

  • Confirm your identity using Schwab’s voice ID service when calling the Schwab Alliance team for support.

  • Use two-factor authentication, which requires you to enter a unique code each time you access your Schwab accounts.

  • Review the Schwab Security Guarantee, which covers 100% of any losses in any of your Schwab accounts due to unauthorized activity.


What you can do

  • Be aware of suspicious phone calls, emails, and texts asking you to send money or disclose personal information. If a service rep calls you, hang up and call back using a known phone number.

  • Never share sensitive information or conduct business via email, as accounts are often compromised.

  • Beware of phishing and malicious links. Urgent-sounding, legitimate-looking emails are intended to tempt you to accidentally disclose personal information or install malware.

  • Don’t open links or attachments from unknown sources. Enter the web address in your browser.

  • Never enter confidential information in public areas. Assume someone is always watching.

  • Don’t use personal information as part of your login ID or password and don’t share login credentials

  • Create a unique, complex password for each website, Change it every six months. Consider using a password manager to simplify this process

  • Keep your web browser, operating system, antivirus, and anti-spyware updated, and activate the firewall.

  • Do not use free/found USB devices. They may be infected with malware.

  • Check security settings on your applications and web browser. Make sure they’re strong.

  • Use caution on websites and social media

  • Do not visit websites you don’t know, (e.g., advertised on pop-up ads and banners).

  • Log out completely to terminate access when exiting all websites.

  • Don’t use public computers or free Wi-Fi. Use a personal Wi-Fi hotspot or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

  • Hover over questionable links to reveal the URL before clicking. Secure websites start with “https,” not “http.”

  • Be cautious when accepting “friend” requests on social media, liking posts, or following links.

  • Limit sharing information on social media sites. Assume fraudsters can see everything, even if you have safeguards.

  • Consider what you’re disclosing before sharing or posting your résumé.

What to do if you suspect a breach

  • Call Clarity Financial Design immediately at 407-494-0593 so that w can watch for suspicious activity and collaborate with you on other steps to take.

  • Request our “How to Respond to a Data Breach” flyer for more information.

Learn more

Visit these sites for more information and best practices:







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