13 Sep Stratus Covid Level Update & Scam Emails
With Wellington now in Covid-19 Delta level 2 and to stay safe, Stratus advisers and staff are working a blend of at home and at office. We can take calls but if your question is not of an urgent nature, we wonder if an email can assist – all Stratus Team emails are found via www.stratusnz.nz. We can transfer calls but advisers may be living in an area with intermittent call coverage or on a client meeting via online (Zoom etc). Advisers may be able to call you back so please leave your name & number with our team if an email doesn’t suit. Online meetings are proving very useful, using Zoom or Microsoft teams, especially where you & our adviser are known to each other so we continue to review/support clients. We hope you are safe with your family and colleagues – do contact us if we can assist.
Be Aware
You may have seen our recent reposting of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) scam alert on our social media.
COVID-19 lockdowns contribute to our need for online human connection and, unfortunately, this has created more opportunities for scammers. Many people are feeling more vulnerable and the invitation to engage with another human can be difficult to resist.
What’s more, scammers are getting smarter; they are often professional and convincing. And scams can catch anyone off-guard.
Some warning signs of a scam include:
- Unexpected emails, texts, letters or phone calls.
- Offers of high returns with little risk.
- Pressure to make a quick decision.
- Requests for personal information, financial details or money.
- Requests to click on a link in an unexpected email or text.
The good news is there are things you can do to protect yourself against scams.
- Always question uninvited approaches.
- If you are interested in what they seem to be offering, contact the company directly using their publicly listed contact details.
- If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Again, contact the company directly using publicly listed contact details.
- Don’t assume something is safe just because a family member, friend, workmate, community/church leader or other trusted person recommends it.
- If you are considering investing in an online offshore business, do your homework on the business – including checking the FMA’s website.
- Always conduct your own research and due diligence if you’re thinking of spending money or revealing personal information.
- If you think the scam communication is from Stratus, please contact us by separate email to check.
- Stop and think before providing your details to anyone.
Below are some websites you can go to for more information on scams
https://www.fma.govt.nz/investors/scams/
https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/scamwatch
And if you’re unsure, or want more information, contact us at contact@stratusnz.nz
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