If you use Robinhood for your investments, you are part of a huge community of traders. That popularity, however, makes you a prime target for cybercriminals. Your brokerage account holds highly valuable assets, and hackers are constantly trying to obtain your username, password, or even your Social Security number through sophisticated phishing attempts.
You need to take your security very seriously, and the best way to do that is to recognize the enemy’s disguise. You should always assume that any unsolicited message about your account is a scam until you prove otherwise.
The Hacker Playbook: How Phishing Works
Hackers don’t try to brute-force their way into Robinhood’s servers; they try to trick you. They use fake emails, text messages (smishing), and social media accounts that perfectly mimic Robinhood’s branding. They aim to create panic and urgency, forcing you to click a link that leads to a fake login page where you unwittingly hand over your credentials.
The stakes are high. One successful click can lead to your account being drained or your identity being compromised.
The Five Things Robinhood Support Will Never Do
To keep your assets safe, you need to know the official boundaries of communication. For reference, Robinhood Support will never cross these lines—if a message asks you to do any of the following, it is a scam:
- Send you links within text messages (SMS/Smishing). If they need you to verify something, they will tell you to log in directly to the official app or website.
- Ask you for your account password or your Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) code. Legitimate support only needs to verify your identity; they already have access to your account and never need your actual password.
- Ask you to send money through third parties (like CashApp or Venmo) or even through Robinhood itself. Do not transfer funds based on an unexpected request.
- Ask you for your information regarding other accounts or trading platforms. They only care about your Robinhood account.
- Ask that you download remote desktop access software (like TeamViewer). Never install software that lets a stranger control your computer.
Your Active Defense Strategy: Go Direct!
Beyond these rules, you must train yourself to spot the subtle red flags in scam messages:
- Check the Sender: Look for typos in the domain name, like
@robinh00d.comor an address coming from a generic Gmail or Yahoo account. - Look for Urgency: If the message threatens immediate suspension or loss of funds unless you click now, it’s a high-pressure scam.
- Bad Grammar: Typos, awkward phrasing, or strange punctuation are common giveaways.
The most powerful defense you have is simple: Do not click the link. If you receive an alert about suspicious activity, close the email or text, open the official Robinhood app on your phone, and check your account status directly. Take control of the communication and never let a hacker dictate the terms.
