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. . . . . NEWS
MAINE DEPARTMENT
OF PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL REGULATION
35 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0035
Contact: |
Contact: Michael J. Colleran, Securities Administrator |
(207) 624-8551 |
For Immediate
Release |
Tuesday, November 15, 2005 |
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STATE SECURITIES REGULATOR WARNS CITIZENS TO PROTECT THEIR
ONLINE BROKERAGE ACCOUNTS FROM “STOCK HACKERS”
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Augusta, Maine: Maine Securities Administrator Michael J. Colleran
today issued a warning to citizens with online brokerage accounts to beware
of a new and growing form of securities fraud where intruders steal account
information from customers’ own computers and then use that information
to quickly drain the accounts.
Regulators are now examining schemes in which identity thieves target
online brokerage accounts by hacking into personal computers that lack
antivirus or other protective software. These “stock hackers”
use malicious software programs to extract information about the accounts,
such as user names and passwords, and then transfer customer money to
outside accounts.
“It is important for all investors with online brokerage accounts
to take the steps necessary to insulate their personal computers from
this kind of criminal attack on their identity, their privacy, and their
assets,” Colleran said.
Colleran urged Maine citizens who have such online accounts to take
appropriate precautions, such as by installing a personal firewall and
security software package, using a security token, and keeping antivirus
protections up to date. He also stated that investors should check with
their online brokerage firms to find out what protections they are currently
offering their customers. Colleran also warned citizens generally to ignore
emails requesting confidential or sensitive information, pointing to the
now-common scam in which fraudsters dress up such emails by using actual
bank logos to make the requests look more legitimate.
Colleran asked that Maine citizens call 1-877-624-8551 if they have
been the target of “stock hackers” or other investment fraud.
The Maine Office of Securities is part of the Department of Professional
and Financial Regulation, which encourages sound ethical business practices
through high quality, impartial and efficient regulation of insurers,
financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous
professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens
of Maine. Consumers can reach the Office through its Web site at www.MaineSecuritiesReg.org,
by calling its toll-free number, 1-877-624-8551, or by writing the Maine
Office of Securities, 121 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0121.
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Last Updated:
November 18, 2005 |