How cybersecurity can protect your accounts

Read time: 5 to 6 minutes

You work hard to save and invest your money. So, it’s important that your money is always safe. Good news—protecting your financial assets and personal information has never been easier than it is right now. We have tips for you.

Everyone is at risk of being scammed

Implementing simple and effective safeguards for your money and personal information is one of the most important things you can do. This is especially true for older Americans with accumulated wealth or those experiencing cognitive decline. But investors of any age are at risk, and scammers don't discriminate. They won't shy away from a chance to steal even a small amount of money. We’ll revisit that last topic when we review the common types of scams you should know about.

How Vanguard protects you

Vanguard’s mission is to take a stand for all investors. So, whenever you visit the Vanguard website, you’re using Vanguard’s various security features—both visible and invisible—to keep you (and every other Vanguard investor) safe.

A HELFPUL REMINDER

When you call Vanguard on the phone, you verify your identity before you discuss any of your financial and personal information. The phone representative will ask you a few questions, which may include your security questions. Or, you can request a PIN or password of your choice every time you call.

Don’t forget—Vanguard will never contact you asking you to respond with your personal account information. But if you contact Vanguard to report concerns about your account or profile, we may ask you to verify certain information.

Scams you should know about

There are a number of common scams you should be aware of.

Romance scam. Scammers try to build a connection with the potential victim either over the phone or online. They talk about having a future together, but can’t meet in person. The relationship progresses before the scammers ask you for money.
Tech support. A pop-up message appears on your computer or phone stating that your device has a virus or is compromised. You receive direction to call a phone number for assistance. Once you call, the scammer asks to access your device remotely and has you pay them a fee to repair the problem.
Family impersonation. A fraudster calls pretending to be a family member and asks for money.
Government impersonation. You receive a call or email from someone claiming to be a member of a government agency. They might threaten you with unpaid taxes or debts. And they might tell you that you could face penalties or even go to jail.
Sweepstakes, charity, or lottery. Fraudsters contact you to say you’ve won a prize, but that you also need to pay a fee to collect the prize.
Investment. You hear a promise of a large payout or huge returns with no risk.

For additional information on current scams, visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation* and Federal Trade Commission.*

Ways you can protect yourself

Use a strong password.
Set up two-factor authentication.
Sign up for account activity alerts.
Beware of potential scams.
Keep your computer software and mobile devices up to date.
Check your accounts regularly.

A HELFPUL REMINDER

Report any suspicious activity to Vanguard by calling 877-223-6977 or emailing fraud@vanguard.com.

Protect your money

Keep your retirement plan close at hand with secure online access. In addition to greater account security, you'll get easy 24/7 account access and free financial wellness tools and resources:

If you need to, make sure to register for online access.
Log in to your Vanguard account.
From the menu, choose My Accounts, and select Profile & account settings.
Under Security, review your settings.

If you have multiple Vanguard accounts (for example, nonretirement, IRAs, cash accounts, or a 529), check your settings for each account.

Whenever you invest, there’s a chance you could lose the money.

*When you visit this site, you will be leaving our site. Vanguard is not responsible for the accuracy of information on third-party sites. Vanguard receives no renumeration for website links.