Why Did I Get A Package From Broadridge What To Know

If you recently received an unexpected package from Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., you're not alone—and you're right to be cautious. In an era of rising identity theft and financial scams, any unsolicited mail from a large financial institution warrants attention. Broadridge is a legitimate company that handles critical communications for major banks, brokerages, and publicly traded corporations. But understanding why they sent you something—and whether it's relevant to your financial life—is essential.

Broadridge does not typically send physical packages directly to consumers as part of routine operations. Instead, they manage document distribution on behalf of other institutions. So if you've received a box, envelope, or packet bearing their name, there’s likely a specific reason tied to your financial or investment activity.

Who Is Broadridge and What Do They Do?

Broadridge Financial Solutions is a global leader in investor communications, technology, and data solutions. The company processes over 20 billion pages of regulatory, proxy, and transactional documents annually. It partners with brokerage firms, mutual fund companies, public corporations, and banks to distribute statements, tax forms, shareholder notices, and proxy voting materials.

In most cases, you won’t interact with Broadridge directly. Instead, when you hold stocks, mutual funds, or retirement accounts through a financial institution like Fidelity, Charles Schwab, or Vanguard, those firms use Broadridge to handle the logistics of sending you required disclosures and annual reports.

“Broadridge acts as the behind-the-scenes engine for investor communication—ensuring compliance, accuracy, and timeliness.” — Sarah Lin, Regulatory Compliance Analyst at FinServ Advisors

Because Broadridge manages such high-volume document processing, their branding often appears on envelopes, labels, and even shipping boxes used to deliver time-sensitive financial information.

Common Reasons You Might Receive a Package from Broadridge

While Broadridge primarily sends paper statements and proxy materials via standard mail, larger shipments (such as bound annual reports or investor kits) may come in small cardboard boxes or padded envelopes. Here are the most typical reasons for receiving a package:

• Annual Reports & Proxy Statements: If you own shares in a publicly traded company, especially through a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) or direct stock purchase plan (DSPP), you may receive printed annual reports. These can include glossy booklets, financial summaries, and voting ballots.
• Tax Documents: In rare cases, corrected or replacement tax forms (like 1099s) may be resent via secure packaging.
• New Account Kits: Some financial institutions mail welcome packets for new investment accounts using Broadridge’s fulfillment services.
• Class Action or Settlement Notices: Broadridge sometimes administers notice programs for securities litigation settlements.
• Digital Transition Notifications: You might receive a final paper statement before being moved to electronic delivery.

Tip: Always check the sender address and return label. Legitimate Broadridge mail will include a P.O. box or corporate address, never a personal address or suspicious URL.

How to Verify the Package Is Legitimate

Given the rise in financial phishing schemes, verifying authenticity is crucial. Scammers have mimicked official-looking mail from Broadridge to trick recipients into revealing personal data.

Red Flags to Watch For

Suspicious Sign	What’s Normal
Urgent demands for immediate action or personal info	Broadridge provides clear deadlines but never pressures instant response
Links to unfamiliar websites or QR codes	Official URLs will be broadridge.com or client-specific portals
Requests for Social Security number, password, or banking details	Broadridge never asks for sensitive data by mail
Poor print quality, spelling errors, or generic greetings	Documents are professionally printed with your full name and account reference

To confirm legitimacy:

1. Look for your account number or investor ID on the correspondence.
2. Visit broadridge.com directly (do not click links in the mail).
3. Use Broadridge’s investor lookup tool at investor.broadridge.com to see if your name is associated with any client programs.
4. Contact your brokerage or financial institution to ask if they use Broadridge for document distribution.

Real Example: A Shareholder Receives a Corporate Report

Consider Maria T., a long-time employee of a Fortune 500 company who retired with company stock in her 401(k). She hadn’t reviewed her holdings in years. One day, she received a small package labeled “Shareholder Communications – Broadridge” containing a 120-page annual report, a proxy ballot, and a letter from the CEO.

Initially suspicious, Maria checked the return address (Edison, NJ – Broadridge’s headquarters), verified her old brokerage (now merged into another firm) used Broadridge, and confirmed she still owned 150 shares. This package was valid. By reviewing it, she learned about a special dividend and exercised her right to vote on executive compensation.

Had she discarded it as junk mail, she would have missed both income and governance rights.

Action Plan: What to Do When You Receive a Broadridge Package

Don’t ignore it, but don’t panic either. Follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Inspect the Packaging: Note the sender, logos, and any client names (e.g., “On behalf of Morgan Stanley” or “Client: ABC Corp”).
2. Open Carefully: Look for identifiers like your name, account number, or investor ID.
3. Review Contents: Common items include proxy cards, annual reports, IRS Form 1099-DIV, or transfer instructions.
4. Check Deadlines: Proxy votes often have strict submission dates.
5. Contact the Sponsor: If the document references a company or brokerage, reach out to them directly using a known phone number or website.
6. Opt for E‑Delivery (Optional): Many investors reduce paper clutter by switching to electronic statements through Broadridge’s portal.

Tip: Even if you no longer actively manage investments, retained shares or inherited holdings can trigger annual mailings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Broadridge a scam?

No. Broadridge Financial Solutions is a legitimate S&P 500 company headquartered in New Jersey. It has been in operation since 2007 (spun off from ADP) and serves some of the largest financial institutions in the world.

Can I opt out of receiving mail from Broadridge?

You cannot opt out directly with Broadridge, but you can update your preferences with the financial institution or corporation that owns the relationship. Most allow you to switch to electronic delivery through their investor portal or by contacting customer service.

I don’t own any stocks. Why did I get this?

Possible explanations include: a mistaken mailing, inheritance of assets you weren’t aware of, participation in a class-action settlement, or outdated records from a former employer’s stock plan. Cross-check with family members or past employers if unsure.

Final Checklist Before Taking Action

• ✅ Confirm the package came from a verified Broadridge address (e.g., 1980 Festival Plaza Drive, Clearwater, FL or 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY).
• ✅ Look for a client logo (bank, brokerage, or company name).
• ✅ Check for your name and account number.
• ✅ Avoid calling numbers printed on the document unless independently verified.
• ✅ Visit the issuing institution’s official website to validate the communication.
• ✅ Retain the package until you’ve confirmed its purpose—especially if it contains tax-related forms.

Conclusion

Receiving a package from Broadridge doesn’t mean you’re under investigation or in trouble—it usually means you’re recognized as an investor, account holder, or beneficiary in a financial process. While caution is wise, so is engagement. These documents often contain valuable information about dividends, voting rights, tax obligations, or asset ownership you may not have realized you had.

Take a few minutes to investigate the source, understand the context, and determine whether action is needed. Staying informed protects your financial interests and ensures you don’t miss opportunities tied to your investments. If in doubt, reach out to the sponsoring organization—not the mailing agent—to get answers.

💬 Did you recently receive a Broadridge package? Share your experience or questions in the comments below—we’ll help you decode it.