The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority issued an investor alert about notifying brokerage firms and other financial institutions if someone hacks into your email account.

FINRA has received an increasing number of reports involving investor funds being stolen by individuals who first gain access to the investor's email account and then email instructions to the firm to transfer money out of the brokerage account. The investor alert warns investors about the potential financial consequences of a compromised email account and provides tips for safeguarding your assets.

"Investors who suspect that their email account has been hacked should immediately notify their brokerage firm and other financial institutions, and anyone who suspects they have been defrauded should file a complaint with FINRA," said Gerri Walsh, FINRA's vice president for investor education.