Insights, Wealth Planning

Guarding Wealth and Information: National Consumer Protection Week 2026

by Sequoia Financial Group

February 24, 2026

Each year, in early March, National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) highlights the importance of safeguarding personal, financial, and digital information. Led by the Federal Trade Commission and its partners, NCPW was established to educate consumers about fraud risks, data security, and the practical steps they can take to protect themselves. As financial lives become increasingly digital and interconnected, the mission behind NCPW has never been more relevant.

Fraudsters increasingly target households with significant assets, complex financial structures, or multiple points of access. Identity theft, account takeovers, phishing schemes, and data breaches can quickly escalate from minor inconveniences into major financial disruptions. For high-net-worth individuals and families, protecting information is inextricably linked to protecting wealth.

Practical steps every household can take

While no strategy eliminates risk entirely, disciplined habits can reduce exposure:

Strengthen access controls. Use unique, complex passwords for financial and email accounts, and back them up with a reputable password manager. Enable multi-factor authentication wherever available.
Be selective with personal information. Limit what you share on social media and verify requests for sensitive data, especially those that create a sense of urgency or appear to come from trusted institutions.
Monitor accounts proactively. Review bank, investment, and credit card activity regularly. Set up alerts for large or unusual transactions.
Secure physical documents. Shred sensitive paperwork, store key records in locked or fire-resistant locations, and be cautious when traveling with financial documents.
Protect connected devices. Keep operating systems, antivirus software, and home networks up to date, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions.
Check your credit. Review your credit reports at least annually and consider a fraud alert or credit freeze if the circumstances warrant it.

Security, Built For You

At Sequoia Financial Group, protecting client information is foundational, not optional. Our data security standards are designed to safeguard sensitive financial and personal information across every stage of the client relationship. This includes secure systems, strict access controls, vendor due diligence, and firmwide training to ensure our teams remain vigilant against evolving threats.

National Consumer Protection Week is a reminder that vigilance is a shared responsibility. With the right habits and the right advisory partner, families can move forward with confidence, knowing their wealth and information are protected with care, intention, and purpose.

Sources

Federal Trade Commission – National Consumer Protection Week
https://www.ftc.gov/national-consumer-protection-week
Federal Trade Commission – Identity Theft & Fraud Prevention
https://www.identitytheft.gov
Federal Trade Commission – Data Security Guidance
https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/privacy-security
Annual Credit Report (authorized by federal law)
https://www.annualcreditreport.com

The views expressed represent the opinion of Sequoia Financial Group. The views are subject to change and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results. This material is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice and is not intended as an endorsement of any specific investment. Stated information is derived from proprietary and nonproprietary sources that have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness. While Sequoia believes the information to be accurate and reliable, we do not claim or have responsibility for its completeness, accuracy, or reliability. Statements of future expectations, estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements are based on available information and Sequoia’s view as of the time of these statements. Accordingly, such statements are inherently speculative as they are based on assumptions that may involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investing in equity securities involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. While equities may offer the potential for greater long-term growth than most debt securities, they generally have higher volatility. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Investment advisory services offered through Sequoia Financial Advisors, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Registration as an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

Investment advisory services offered by Sequoia Financial Advisors, LLC. Registration as an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

This material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for personalized investment advice or as a recommendation or solicitation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Diversification cannot assure profit or guarantee against loss. There is no guarantee that any investment will achieve its objectives, generate positive returns, or avoid losses. Sequoia Financial Advisors, LLC makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy, reliability, or utility of information obtained from third-parties. Certain assumptions may have been made by these sources in compiling such information, and changes to assumptions may have material impact on the information presented in these materials. Sequoia Financial Advisors, LLC does not provide tax or legal advice.