NAVIGATOR 27 | Fraud + Scams

A clear, practical guide to preventing fraud, recognizing scams, and responding quickly if you’re targeted.

THE STORY

Fraud rarely begins with something obvious. It starts with a familiar-looking email. A calm voice on the phone. A message that sounds official, helpful, or urgent. “I just need to verify something.” “This needs to be handled today.” “We noticed unusual activity.”

  Smart, capable people fall for scams every day — not because they’re careless, but because scammers are skilled at creating pressure and legitimacy. What makes fraud devastating isn’t just the money.

It’s the shame, the panic, and the feeling of “How did I let this happen?” The truth is simple and important:

Fraud is not a personal failure. It’s a system failure — and systems can be improved.

The real question becomes:

“How do I build protection into my life — and respond calmly and quickly if something goes wrong?”

WHAT THIS NAVIGATOR IS

A practical, guide to:

               • Preventing common fraud and scams

               • Building everyday protective habits

               • Knowing exactly what to do if fraud occurs

This Navigator is about preparation, not fear.

A CHECKLIST | To Help You Consider Some Important Questions:

Mindset & Awareness

☐ Do I understand that scams target emotion, not intelligence?

☐ Do I pause when something feels urgent or threatening?

☐ Do I know that legitimate institutions do not pressure immediate action?

Communication Hygiene

☐ Do I avoid clicking links from unsolicited emails or texts?

☐ Do I avoid sharing personal information by phone unless I initiated the call?

☐ Do I independently verify requests using known contact information?

Account & Access Protection

☐ Do I use strong, unique passwords for financial accounts?

☐ Do I use a password manager rather than memory or notes?

☐ Is two-factor authentication enabled where possible?

Email & Device Safety

☐ Are my devices updated regularly?

☐ Do I recognize phishing signs (misspellings, odd tone, fake urgency)?

☐ Do I avoid downloading unexpected attachments?

Financial Safeguards

☐ Are alerts enabled for large transactions or changes?

☐ Are daily transfer limits in place?

☐ Do I review statements regularly — not just balances?

Social Engineering Awareness

☐ Am I cautious of messages claiming to be from family in distress?

☐ Do I verify “emergency” requests before acting?

☐ Do I avoid oversharing personal details publicly?

Trusted Team & Process

☐ Do I know who to call before acting on unusual requests?

☐ Does my advisor encourage slowing down suspicious decisions?

Preparedness

☐ Do I know the immediate steps to take if fraud is suspected?

☐ Are important contact numbers stored securely but accessibly?

Emotional Protection

☐ Do I know that shame benefits scammers, not victims?

☐ Would I ask for help immediately rather than hide the issue?

Review & Confidence

☐ Do I review fraud protections annually?

☐ Would this system reduce panic if something happened?

ACTION PLAN | To Prevent Fraud

1. Slow down all urgent financial requests

2. Verify independently using known contacts

3. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication

4. Enable transaction alerts and limits

5. Review statements consistently

If You Suspect Fraud

6. Stop all transactions immediately

7. Contact your financial institutions and advisor

8. Change passwords and secure accounts

9. Document what happened and follow recovery steps

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU’VE BEEN SCAMMED (CLEAR STEPS)

1. Stop immediately — do not send more money or information

2. Call your bank or custodian right away

3. Contact your advisor (Gentian should be one of the first calls)

4. Change passwords on affected accounts

5. Document everything (times, contacts, messages)

6. Report the fraud as advised (bank, FTC, local authorities if needed)

Important: Speed matters more than embarrassment.

YOUR NEXT STEPS

Do This Today

• Write down the three people or institutions you would call first if something felt wrong.

Do This This Month

•  Enable alerts and review account security settings.

• Confirm two-factor authentication.

• Review this Navigator with a trusted family member.

Do This This Year

• Revisit fraud protections annually.

• Update systems as technology and threats evolve.

Schedule a Conversation: Contact your advisor to review fraud protections, set safeguards, and ensure you have a clear response plan — so fear never has to guide decisions.  As always, your Gentian team is here to help.   

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Gentian Financial | 12740 N River Road, Mequon Wi 53092 | PH 262-518-7575

Any opinions are those of Gentian Financial and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. Hypothetical examples are for illustrative purposes only. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. and Gentian Financial Inc. Gentian Financial, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer, and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Donor Advised Funds: Donors are urged to consult their attorneys, accountants or tax advisors with respect to questions relating to the deductibility of various types of contributions to a Donor-Advised Fund for federal and state tax purposes.