Identity theft

Clients — and financial advisors — should ask these three questions when asked to divulge their Social Security number.

The Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division issued a warning Thursday about a new wave of COVID-19 scams tied to the latest round of stimulus payments, especially targeting taxpayers in the District of Columbia.

Which is better? An SEP plan or solo 401(k)?

The rep processed a $9,850 wire request from an imposter posing as a customer, even after the customer called to say that the request was not genuine, FINRA claimed.

Spanning 50 federal districts, the case involves criminal and civil charges for as many as 200 defendants.

Prosecutors served a warrant seeking names of employees who opened unauthorized accounts, as well as the bank’s fee structure and a calculation of losses suffered by affected customers.

The SEC has moved ahead with rules mandating that many advisors implement policies and procedures to help shield their clients' information from scammers.