Fraud and Scams

It is important to stay alert to the risk of fraud and scams.

State Street Global Advisors would like to remind you to diligently check the authenticity and reliability of information viewed on websites or received that claims to be related to, issued or authorised by SSGA, its employees or our affiliates.

Scammers may use tactics such as unsolicited messages on third party messaging apps, phishing emails, cold calling or fake websites to try and entice you to invest in false products that feature SSGA’s name / logo (which may include use of the SPDR brand).

It has been reported that scammers have been impersonating the staff of SSGA or State Street group and / or promoting fraudulent documentation relating to a range of financial products.

SSGA does not conduct any business via third party apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Instagram or Facebook. If you are dealing with someone purporting to be from SSGA on any such platform it is not legitimate.

Warning signs

This is not an exhaustive list but here are some warning signs of a scam:

  • Unsolicited communications
    Treat all unexpected communications with caution. Look to verify the source and check for signs of fraudulent activity. For example, if you are added to a group message with other participants, it is likely those participants are ‘bots’ and not real people. Be careful of fake email addresses with domains that may look similar to genuine companies or, if the email domain changes over the course of your communications.

    Please note that individual SSGA employee emails end in @SSGA.com or @statestreet.com
  • Promises of unrealistic returns
    If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of promises of high returns, any guaranteed returns, ‘exciting’ opportunities or returns that are out of line with the market. 
  • Time Pressure
    Any sense of urgency to make a payment or attempt to put you under pressure to make a decision should be a warning sign. 
  • Payment requests
    SSGA will never request that you make payments to bank accounts in the name of individuals, companies or third parties with no apparent connection to SSGA, through payment intermediaries, cryptocurrency or payment wallets.

What not to do

  • Do not share any personal information (telephone, e-mail, identity documents, bank details, IBAN, proof of address, etc.) to anyone who’s identity you cannot confirm 
  • Do not follow up on unsolicited communications 
  • Do not make a payment until you have verified the identity of who you are dealing with and are satisfied that you’re dealing with an authorised firm
  • Do not give someone who has contacted you unexpectedly remote access to your computer or any other device

What to do

If you think you may have been a victim of a scam:

  • Stop sending money and immediately contact your bank
  • Immediately report it to law enforcement in your jurisdiction
  • Immediately report it to the financial regulator in your jurisdiction