We have been made aware of another email purporting to be from one of our financial planners. As always with these attempted phishing emails, at first glance they appear legitimate, particularly if, as in this case, they include the correct footer and signature. This latest email attempt suggests investing in a JP Morgan portfolio and encourages clicking on an attachment – no doubt containing a virus to facilitate identity, and money, theft.

As life becomes more digitised we must become, and remain, more vigilant. We would like to make it clear again that Rouse Limited will never randomly email you with offers or opportunities, as any recommendations will always be made specifically for you and presented to you in the form of a suitability report.

Equally, should we receive an unscheduled request from you to move money on your behalf, we would always check with you first to ensure it’s a genuine request.

While we are confident that the steps we take to protect you, your data, your money, and Rouse Limited itself, are sufficiently robust to avoid scammers gaining access, we all need to remain vigilant.

Keeping your money safe

As attempted fraud and scams are on the rise, we would remind you of our advice on how to keep your devices and in particular your money safe:

• As scam emails tend to closely mimic those of a genuine firm, it is imperative that you are wary and read any emails thoroughly.
• Never click on links in emails or attachments unless you are certain they are safe.
• Arrange for documents that are sent by email to be password protected.
• Refuse access to any of your devices by third parties, regardless of whether they say they’re from a bank or provider.
• Never give away your full password, PIN, or bank card number to a cold caller, just because they already know some of your personal details.
• Change your passwords regularly.
• Install anti-virus software on all your devices.
• Sign up to Nutshell, our personal finance portal, to communicate safely with us, if you haven’t already done this.