Security Center

Identity Theft Schemes

Spyware

Spyware is malicious software that is loaded onto your computer without your knowledge or permission with the intent of collecting information about you. This information can be anything from the web sites you visit to sensitive personal information including login names and passwords.

How to Detect Spyware

  • Most people do not know that their computer is infected with spyware until they notice performance or instability issues.
  • One way to determine if your computer is infected with spyware is to use a reputable antispyware tool to scan your computer.

How to Defend Against Spyware

  • Take advantage of Scottrade's complimentary one-year subscription to McAfee's VirusScan Plus and SiteAdvisor. This software will help remove existing spyware from your computer and block new spyware from being installed.
  • Keep your operating system updated. If you use a windows operating system, enable the automatic windows updates or download Microsoft updates regularly. A computer with an updated operating system behind a firewall is the best defense against spyware installation.
  • Download the latest version of your browser to ensure that it is also fully updated and utilizes the latest security technologies.
  • Read all privacy policies carefully. If you read terms that seem questionable, do not install the software.
  • Beware of high risk web sites. McAfee's Site Advisor provides web site ratings to help you avoid sites that install spyware.

Brokerage Products and Services offered by Scottrade, Inc. – Member FINRA and SIPC.

No information on this web site should be considered a recommendation or solicitation to invest in a particular security or type of security.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of a mutual fund carefully before investing. A mutual fund's prospectus contains this and other information about the mutual fund. Prospectuses are available through our trading site or through a Scottrade branch office. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

Margin trading involves interest charges and risks, including the potential to lose more than deposited or the need to deposit additional collateral in a falling market. Scottrade's margin agreement is available on our web site and at our branch offices; and contains the Margin Disclosure Statement and information on our lending policies, interest charges, and the risks associated with margin accounts. Options are not appropriate for all investors. Detailed information on our policies and the risks associated with options can be found in Scottrade's Options Application and Agreement, Brokerage Account Agreement, and Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options (available from your local branch office or here). All option accounts require prior approval by Scottrade.

Market volatility, volume, and system availability may impact account access and trade execution.

Testimonials may not be representative of the experience of other clients and are no guarantee of future performance or success.