Security

Scams are on the rise and with an ever-changing technology landscape, fraudsters continue to find new ways to exploit their victims and steal their assets. Nuveen wants you to be aware of red flags and how to protect yourself.

Common tactics

• Impersonation of Nuveen associates and executives using copied profiles, names, photos, and logos.
• Use of social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, posing as Nuveen associates, affiliates, recruiters, or executives to advertise trading, investments, or investment education.
• Use of popular messaging platforms, such as WhatsApp, to advertise fake investment opportunities.
• Use of fake Nuveen websites. 

 Don't fall for it

Fraudsters utilize many methods to communicate with their victims including phone calls, texts, emails, social media, or messaging apps. 

 Nuveen will not:

• Ask you to join a social media group or messaging app group for investment and/or trading education and tips.
• Solicit trading, investment, or educational opportunities using:
  
  • WhatsApp or other messaging apps
  • LinkedIn or other social media platforms*
  • Email addresses ending in anything other than @nuveen.com or other official company or affiliate domains
  • Unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages*
• Make requests for investments using cryptocurrency or foreign trade exchanges (FOREX)

*From time-to-time Nuveen will promote things like webinars, seminars, subscriptions to our thought leadership, and/or other networking type events via LinkedIn, other social media platforms, phone calls, etc. However, these typically come at no cost and Nuveen will not ask for any sensitive personal information to register. It's important to contact Nuveen directly before paying for any service or providing any sensitive information.

Trending scams

Investment and business imposter scams are schemes that deceive individuals into handing over their personal information and/or financial assets. They often leverage messaging apps such as WhatsApp and social media platforms such as LinkedIn to establish trust and perceived legitimacy.

Investment scam

Investment scams typically promise high returns with little or no risk. Fraudsters entice with fake investment opportunities in stocks, cryptocurrency, real estate, or foreign exchange markets (Forex). They might impersonate Nuveen associates to appear credible.

Business imposter scam

Fraudsters pretend to be associates or affiliates of Nuveen, enticing victims into providing personal information, visiting fake company websites, paying up front fees or investments, applying for fake jobs with Nuveen or it’s affiliates.

Be aware: red flags

Scams often have similar red flags. Pay attention, especially if you observe:

• Unsolicited Contact – Be wary of unsolicited or unexpected messages from unknown individuals and organizations.
• Too Good to be True – Promises of large returns and high rewards with little to no risk.
• Pressure to Act Quickly – Legitimate opportunities rarely require immediate action.
• Requests for Upfront Payments – Genuine opportunities and businesses do not ask for up-front fees.
• Unverifiable Credentials – Verify the identity of any individual or organization by navigating directly to their published website. Utilize verified, published contact information to inquire for more information.
• Links to Suspicious Websites – Be aware of fake websites used by fraudsters to look legitimate.

Ways to help protect yourself

• Watch for Social Engineering – If it feels like someone is trying to manipulate you, there is a good chance that they are.
• Verify Individuals and Companies - Research the person or organization and contact the business directly using official, published contact information.
• Use Secure Platforms – Avoid sharing sensitive information on unsecured platforms and apps and only engage with verified accounts on social media and messaging apps.
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication whenever possible – This added layer of protection will make it much more difficult for someone to impersonate you online. 
• Look for Red Flags – Be alert for spelling errors, inconsistent messages, or unverifiable claims.
• Report Suspicious Activity – On messaging apps such as WhatsApp, block and report the number to the platforms support service. On social media such as LinkedIn, report fake profiles and suspicious messages directly to the platform.
• Consult Experts – Always seek advice from a licensed financial advisor or trusted professional before making any investments. 

What to do if you’ve been scammed

• Stop all communications immediately with the fraudsters.
• Report the incident to the messaging app or social media platform. 
• Report the scam to your local law enforcement, consumer protection agency, or to these national agencies: 
  
  • Federal Trade Commission
  • FBI Internet Complaint Center (IC3)
• Secure your accounts by updating any passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, or other available authentication options such as passkeys. Also monitor financial accounts and credit reports for unauthorized activity.
• If you’ve become aware of a scam or suspect that there is a scam that is using Nuveen's name or claiming to involve someone that works for Nuveen, please contact us immediately at abuse@tiaa.org.

The suggestions/steps presented in this material are for informational purposes only and are not all inclusive. There is no guarantee that utilization of any of this content will result in a safe experience/account/device. There is no representation or warranty (express or implied) as to the current accuracy, reliability or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information, and it should not be relied on as such.