Recognizing and Avoiding Online Scams
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, affecting nearly 10 million people between 2010 and 2014. Further, the 2015 Identity Fraud Study released by Javelin Strategy & Research calculated that in 2014 there was a new identity fraud victim every two seconds.
This crime occurs when a thief obtains confidential information - including passwords, personal ID numbers, Social Security numbers, or an account number used with a financial institution - and uses it to commit fraud. Identity thieves use a victim's stolen information to open bank and brokerage accounts, run up bills for credit card purchases, obtain loans, and commit other forms of financial fraud.
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The Markets
Was it good news or wasn't it?
The U.S. unemployment rate ticked higher last week. The September jobs report showed the United States added 156,000 new jobs in September. That was 16,000 fewer than economists were expecting and 11,000 fewer than were added in August, according to Barron's.
That doesn't sound like good news, does it?
On the other hand, the report showed more people are working and looking for jobs. Also, wages increased so people are earning more. The Wall Street Journal wrote:
"The report - marked by a slight uptick in the unemployment rate to 5 percent."
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By the Numbers
Notes: S&P 500, Gold, DJ-UBS Commodity Index returns exclude reinvested dividends (gold does not pay a dividend) and the three-, five-, and 10-year returns are annualized ... more important disclosure mentions found here. (We urge you to read the entire disclosure statement.)
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