Financial services mail bomber raises security concerns

Packages bore the same Streamwood, Ill., return address and were postmarked from Rolling Meadows, Ill. On April 25, federal authorities charged John P. Tompkins of Dubuque, Iowa, of sending the threatening letters and pipe bombs to financial services companies in an effort to drive up certain stock prices for his own gain.

In light of the bomber’s focus on the financial services industry, advisors may want to get more vigilant while opening their mail. Watch for items:

• Lacking a return address
• Having restrictive marketing
• Having misspelled words
• Addressed to a title only
• Bearing an incorrect title
• Having poorly typed or written addresses
• Showing oily stains, discolorations, or crystallization on the wrapper
• Having a strange odor
• Sealed with too much tape
• Packaged in lopsided or uneven containers

If you receive such a package or letter, isolate it and contact local authorities immediately.