Aureus Advisors Security & Fraud Awareness
As the use of the internet and digital devices continues to expand across both business and personal activities,
the opportunities for criminals to steal sensitive information for financial gain have also increased significantly.
Cybercriminals and fraudsters have become more sophisticated, using deceptive emails, fake websites, and social engineering
to lure individuals into clicking malicious links, downloading attachments, or revealing credentials that expose personal or financial data.
Some fraudsters may impersonate legitimate financial institutions or advisory firms, forging corporate branding, documents, and employee identities
to create convincing scams aimed at obtaining money or information. These schemes are often sophisticated and appear highly credible,
featuring real names, company logos, and professionally designed documents.
**Aureus Advisors** takes cybersecurity and fraud prevention extremely seriously. We maintain rigorous technical controls and
governance frameworks to protect client accounts and information. To help you strengthen your personal and organizational security posture,
we have outlined the following common cyber threats and best practices to safeguard yourself, your family, and your business from cyberattacks and fraud.
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### 1. Understanding Cyber Threats
No individual or organization is immune to cyberattacks. Below are some of the most common types of threats:
#### (1) Phishing and Malware
Phishing remains one of the most prevalent forms of attack. Cybercriminals create fake emails and websites that mimic trusted brands or advisors
to trick users into revealing passwords or financial information. Clicking such links or downloading attachments may install malware, trojans, or ransomware.
Ransomware locks and encrypts your files, demanding payment for their release, leading to identity theft, financial loss, or data breaches.
#### (2) Credential-based Attacks
If you reuse passwords across multiple accounts, attackers can exploit stolen credentials to gain unauthorized access to other platforms —
a method known as “credential stuffing.” These breaches are often undetected until funds have been transferred.
#### (3) Social Media Impersonation
Cybercriminals increasingly use fake social media accounts posing as individuals or companies to gain victims’ trust and extract data.
Sometimes they even hijack legitimate accounts to spread scams or harm reputations.
#### (4) Recruitment and Investment Scams
Fraudsters may impersonate **Aureus Advisors** recruiters or financial consultants via LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Gmail, or other platforms,
requesting personal information or money transfers. Please note: **Aureus Advisors never requests money or deposits via email or social media.**
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### 2. How to Protect Yourself
#### (1) Email Security
– Never click suspicious links or open unknown attachments.
– Always verify payment or transfer instructions via phone or in-person confirmation.
– **Aureus Advisors will never send remittance or wire transfer instructions by email.**
#### (2) Password Management
– Use long, complex, and unique passwords.
– Avoid reusing passwords across sites.
– Consider password managers such as LastPass, Dashlane, or 1Password to store them securely.
#### (3) Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
– Activate 2FA for all financial accounts, emails, and social platforms.
– Use authentication apps or security tokens instead of SMS codes whenever possible.
#### (4) Social Media Security
– Regularly review privacy settings and restrict public visibility.
– Avoid sharing details that could expose your identity, finances, or location.
#### (5) Minimize Digital Footprint
– Periodically delete unused accounts and outdated data.
– Monitor for unauthorized account activity.
#### (6) Data and Device Protection
– Encrypt sensitive files and enable biometric locks.
– Disable message previews on lock screens.
– Keep secure backups—both encrypted locally and via reputable cloud services.
#### (7) Software and Network Security
– Keep your operating systems and applications up to date.
– Use a **VPN** when accessing public Wi-Fi.
– Set up a separate guest Wi-Fi network at home.
– Use mobile hotspots instead of public Wi-Fi when traveling.
#### (8) Monitor Credit and Identity
– Regularly review credit reports from Experian, TransUnion, Equifax, or Innovis.
– Consider using identity protection services such as LifeLock, Kroll, or Experian Protect.
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### 3. Understanding Financial Fraud
#### (1) Investment Scams
Fraudsters may pose as **Aureus Advisors** representatives, offering “exclusive” high-return investment opportunities.
Be cautious:
– Official Aureus communications always originate from **@aureusadvisors.com** email addresses.
– We never communicate via Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail.
– Investment offerings are published only through our official website or authorized advisors.
– Verify any unsolicited offers or money requests.
If an offer sounds “too good to be true,” it likely is. **Legitimate investments never require urgent fund transfers.**
#### (2) Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal data without authorization to open accounts, apply for loans, or commit fraud.
Protect yourself by:
– Avoiding disclosure of personal data to unknown individuals or websites;
– Properly destroying documents containing sensitive information;
– Changing passwords regularly and enabling login alerts.
#### (3) Business Email Compromise (BEC)
Fraudsters may intercept legitimate business communications and alter payment instructions.
Protect yourself by:
– Confirming all payment details verbally before transfer;
– Being cautious of sudden account or payment changes;
– Reporting suspicious messages to your IT or compliance team immediately.
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### 4. If You Suspect Fraud
If you believe you have encountered a scam or someone is impersonating **Aureus Advisors**, please:
– Forward the email or message to **security@aureusadvisors.com**;
– Contact your **Aureus investment advisor or account manager**;
– Notify local law enforcement or a cybercrime authority.
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### 5. Aureus Advisors’ Commitment
**Aureus Advisors** operates under the highest standards of compliance and integrity.
We continuously invest in cybersecurity, encryption, and employee awareness programs to protect client data.
We believe that **security is not only a technological safeguard but also a foundation of trust and professionalism.**
