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Protecting your wealth

How to protect your wealth in an evolving scam landscape

At JBWere, safeguarding our clients’ wealth goes beyond investment strategy. As scams become more sophisticated, protecting your capital, identity and personal information is an essential part of preserving wealth across generations.

Scams are increasingly targeting successful individuals and families through highly personalised approaches. They often leverage trust, urgency and perceived credibility.

Understanding how these scams operate is the first step in mitigating risk.

The Evolving Nature of Investment Scams

Modern investment scams are designed to appear legitimate, often presented as exclusive or time sensitive opportunities.

You may encounter:

  • Highly polished investment proposals, including crypto, private markets or offshore opportunities
  • Impersonation of trusted brands, institutions or advisers
  • Requests to redirect funds on a regular investment contribution  
  • Urgent, “confidential” opportunities that discourage you from checking details

These scams are deliberate, targeted and increasingly difficult to detect at first glance. 

Common Warning Signs

Even sophisticated scams typically follow patterns you can spot. Be alert for the following:

  • An investment firm makes unsolicited contact with you
  • Requests that create urgency or secrecy, and often promise high returns and low risk
  • Messages containing links or attachments requesting login or card details
  • Any communication requesting your PIN or security credentials

Importantly, legitimate institutions will not ask for sensitive credentials or direct you to act through unverified links. 

How to protect yourself

We encourage all clients to adopt a structured approach when assessing any financial request or opportunity.

Stop

Take time before acting - particularly where urgency or pressure is applied. Ask yourself, “Could this be a scam?”

Check

Independently confirm details using known, trusted contact channels. Avoid relying on links, phone numbers or information provided within the investment offer. 
 

You can check the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) website to see if the person is on the Financial Advisers Register or is an authorised representative of an Australian Financial Services Licensee. You should also check whether ASIC has a record of the company. If you’re unsure, check with your Adviser.      

 

Protect

Never share sensitive information or transfer funds unless you are very confident about the legitimacy of the request.

 

Acting quickly if something doesn’t feel right goes a long way in helping to protect your money and information. This disciplined mindset is critical in interrupting scam activity before financial loss occurs.

Our Role in Protecting You

JBWere, together with NAB, invests significantly in protective measures to help detect and disrupt suspicious activity, including:

- Transaction monitoring and intervention where scam indicators may be present

- Security alerts highlighting emerging threats

- Resources and guidance to support informed client decision making

These safeguards are designed to complement and not replace, client vigilance, ensuring protection without unnecessary friction. 

If Something Doesn’t Feel Right

One of the most effective safeguards is instinct. If a request or opportunity feels inconsistent, urgent or unusual:

  • Pause immediately. Do not proceed with any transaction
  • Contact your JBWere adviser or the JBWere Investor Services team on 1800 812 267

Early intervention can be critical in preventing loss and limiting further exposure.

A Shared Responsibility

Protecting your wealth is a partnership. While institutions continue to strengthen defences, the most effective protection comes from a combination of:

  • Informed awareness
  • Disciplined verification
  • Strong adviser relationships

At JBWere, we are committed to helping you navigate both opportunity and risk with clarity, confidence and care.

For more information about scams, articles on how to protect yourself and the latest fraud and scam alerts, visit nab.com.au/security

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