According to FINRA, Zachary Hansen was fined $7,500 and suspended for 45 days for communicating with customers about securities business through unapproved text messages. Hansen's texts included securities recommendations, account performance, transactions, and market events using his personal cell phone without authorization. The firm did not retain these messages. Off-channel communications prevent firms from supervising representatives and maintaining required records, creating risks of misconduct going undetected. Investors should insist communications occur through firm-approved channels.