(830) 331-7344Call Us Today!

Money

Data Thieves from Outer Space

Data Thieves from Outer SpaceIt was a dark and stormy night, when janet decided to log in to her email. When suddenly she recieved an email from Milky Way Mutual, Attention Earthling, urgent account action needed! Milky Way Mutual? Hmm...I don't have an account there. I do all my banking here on earth. Looks like attempted internet fraud! I'm not even going to open this. Send to Spam. Boom! Data theif failure. Meanwhile in the Depths of space...Curses! Foiled again. We'll be back!But what is internet fraud? Internet fraud, also called data theif, happens when hackers gain access to important financial information. Fortunately, I know a thing or two about preventing it. Follow along, and I'll show you how to keep your personal data safe and sound.Phishing. A phishing email falsely claims to be a legitimate business or individual, in an attempt to trick you into divulging passwords, credit card numbers, and bank account information. A great example of this is the email that Janey smartly sent to spam. How Janet stays safe. Ha! Phishing? I know better than to take that bait. I never open emails I don't recognize. Instead, I delete any fishy-looking emails right away or send them to my spam folder, so future attempts won't reach my inbox.Malware! Malware is malicious software that is intended to damage, disable, or take over your computer. After it's been downloaded to the victim's computer, malware can be extremely difficult to remove. How Janet stays safe. Malware doesn't scare me. I use countermeasures like updated antivirus software, and the personal firewall that came pre-installed on my computer helps keep online thieves at bay.Ransomware. Ransomware is a form of malware that uses a fast-acting encryption to lock you out of your computer. The theif then demands a ransom in exchange for unlocking the encryption. How Janet stays safe. Ransomware sounds awful, but I'm not worried about it. Thanks to my combination of antivirus software, pre-installed firewalls, and unique passwords, I'm ready for anything.Always remember, when it comes to safeguarding your sensitive information, prevention is your best defense. Don't wait for thieves to strike! Follow Janet's example and start protecting your data today.
 

Related Content

A Primer on Dividends

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

Important Birthdays Over 50

Important Birthdays Over 50

Here's a look at several birthdays and “half-birthdays” that have implications regarding your retirement income.

A Look at Whole Life Insurance

A Look at Whole Life Insurance

Whole life insurance remains in force as long as you remain current with premiums. Here's how it works.

Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named representative, broker - dealer, state - or SEC - registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

We take protecting your data and privacy very seriously. As of January 1, 2020 the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) suggests the following link as an extra measure to safeguard your data: Do not sell my personal information.

Copyright 2026 FMG Suite.

Branch Address: 1415 E Blanco Rd # 8, Boerne, TX 78006

This site has been published in the United States for residents of the United States. The entire site has been prepared solely for informational purposes, and nothing contained herein should be construed as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation to buy or sell, any security or other investment product or to participate in any particular trading strategy. No information contained herein should be regarded as a suggestion to engage in or refrain from any investment-related course of action. All views expressed and materials presented are subject to change without notice and are not intended and should not be construed as investment, tax, or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, no representation is made as to its completeness or accuracy.

*Stocks, mutual funds and variable products are not suitable for all investors. Before making any purchase you should carefully read the prospectus and prospectuses for the underlying investment portfolios of variable products. In addition to carefully reviewing the prospectus, you are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks and charges, and expenses of the investment before investing. A prospectus may be obtained from our office or directly from the mutual fund company, insurance company or offering entity. **Variable annuities are long-term investments designed for retirement purposes. Variable products have limitations, exclusions, charges, termination provisions and terms for keeping them in force. There is no guarantee that any variable investment options in a product will meet their stated goals or objectives. The account value is subject to market fluctuations and investment risk so that, when withdrawn, it may be worth more or less than its original value. ***Index or fixed annuities are not designed for short-term investments and may be subject to caps, restrictions, fees and surrender charges as described in the annuity contract. Annuity product guarantees including optional benefits, for both fixed and variable annuity products, rely on the financial strength of and are subject to the claims‐paying ability of the issuing company.

Employees or representatives of Lesnick Company acting as registered representatives of First Heartland® Capital, Inc. and/or First Heartland® Consultants, Inc. may transact business in a particular state only if first registered, excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Nan Lesnick and Kelly Lesnick are Registered Representatives of First Heartland® Capital, Inc., and Investment Advisor Representatives of First Heartland® Consultants, Inc., a registered broker/dealer and registered investment adviser based in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri.

Securities offered through FIRST HEARTLAND® CAPITAL, INC. Member FINRA/SIPC
Advisory services offered through First Heartland® Consultants, Inc.

4101 Lake St. Louis Blvd. Lake St. Louis, MO 63367  636.625.0900
Lesnick Company is not affiliated with First Heartland® Capital, Inc.

By activating a third-party hyperlink you will leave our Lesnick Company website. Neither Lesnick Company nor First Heartland® Capital, Inc. are responsible for the validity, completeness or accuracy of any information provided on these sites.

Quick Links