The U.S. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority issued an investor alert today concerning a phishing scam that uses fake FINRA emails.

The self-regulatory organization is warning investors about a scam using fake FINRA emails that promise compensation from auction rate securities settlements in exchange for personal information. The fake emails are made to appear as if they originated from FINRA and use language from a recent FINRA press release announcing ARS settlements, it says.

“FINRA is very concerned that these fraudulent emails will ensnare investors in an identity theft—or some other type of—scam.” Investors should know that no legitimate organization will email them requesting personal information,” said John Gannon, FINRA’s senior vice president for investor education.

IE