When an unusual transaction signaled something was wrong

Following a lengthy divorce, a client became the target of a sophisticated scam after her email account was hacked. The fraudsters used personal information to convince her they knew details about her life and family, creating fear and uncertainty. As the situation escalated, she began sending money and requested a large withdrawal from her investment accounts.

Because the withdrawal did not align with her typical financial behavior, it raised questions that led to a deeper conversation about what was happening.

Her advisor team took a closer look at the unusual transaction request and worked with the client to better understand the circumstances behind it. 

Transaction Review
Reviewed the withdrawal request and identified activity that appeared inconsistent with the client’s normal financial patterns. 

Situation Assessment
Worked with the client to understand the communications she had received and identify signs of potential fraud.

Account Coordination
Communicated with the financial institution and helped document relevant account activity connected to the incident.

Risk Awareness
Discussed additional precautions, reporting considerations, and ways to monitor personal and financial information going forward. 

Although the client had already experienced financial losses before the scam was fully uncovered, she gained a clearer understanding of what had occurred and the steps available to respond. The planning relationship provided an opportunity to ask questions, review concerns, and coordinate a response during a challenging period. The experience also reinforced the value of having a trusted professional familiar with a client’s financial habits and able to recognize when something does not seem right.