The 21st century seems to be racked with fraudulent schemes. One of the most common is phone scams. Currently, the SEC has warned that impersonators are claiming to be government employees, by calling people and asking for personal and financial information.

The SEC has identified a number of ongoing investment scams in which con-artists have used the names of real SEC employees to trick victims into giving information about their brokerage accounts, PIN numbers, and shareholdings. Victims are often tricked into sending the impersonators money and other assets.
Even when impersonators do not request that funds be sent directly to them, they may use the personal information they gather to steal identities and then embezzle financial assets at a later date.

For your safety, remember that the SEC does not endorse specific investments, assist in the purchase or sales of securities, or participate in money transfers. Also, the SEC staff does not make unsolicited emails or phone calls, and ask for detailed personal and financial information. The SEC will not contact individuals by telephone or email for purposes of: seeking assistance with a fund transfer, forwarding investment offers, advising individuals that they own certain securities, telling investors that they are eligible to receive disbursements from an investor claims fund or class action settlement, or offering grants or other financial assistance.

What to do if you receive a phone call or email from the SEC

If you receive a phone call or email from someone claiming to be from the SEC or another government agency, verify the person’s identity before giving out any information. Use the SEC’s personnel locator, (202) 551-6000, to verify whether the caller is an SEC staff member; then speak with him or her directly. If you have been contacted by someone impersonating an SEC staff member, inform the SEC immediately by calling (800) SEC-0330 or emailing oiea@sec.gov

How We Can Help

If you are considering an investment in which you have concerns that it may be fraudulent, hire a professional business valuator to examine intricacies of the investment, including its adherence to current tax and business laws.

Mr. Al Golden specializes in evaluating investments to protect businesses against possible frauds. He also provides CFO and Controller Services, forensic accounting, comprehensive business valuation, and forensic accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), a Diplomat of the American Board of Forensic Accounting (DABFA), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts, and the American College of Forensic Examiners.

A.M. Golden Accountancy Corporation located in Carlsbad California which is in Northern Coastal San Diego County offers a free initial consultation.  The majority of our clients are located in San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside Counties; however, we serve clients outside this area as well. To speak with Mr. Golden immediately, please call his direct line by dialing (760) 444-1913.  If you prefer, you may also send an email: al@amgolden.com