Unsolicited Telephone Calls and Mail

Companies have become aware that some UK shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment matters. These are typically from overseas brokers who target UK shareholders offering to sell what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK investments. These operations are commonly known as "boiler rooms".

They can be very persistent and extremely persuasive. It is not just the novice investor that has been duped in this way; many of the victims have been successfully investing for several years. Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice (including subscribing for rights issues and recovering dividends) or offers to buy shares at a discount.

If you receive any unsolicited investment advice:

• Make sure you get and record the correct name of the person and organisation.
• Check that they are properly authorised by the FSA before getting involved. You can check at www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/register/
• The FSA has published lists of unauthorised overseas firms who are targeting, or have targeted, UK investors and any approach from such organisations should be reported to the FSA
• Remember that this type of firm is likely to change its name frequently, so if you can't find a particular name on these lists that still doesn't mean it's genuine.
• If you have received an unsolicited call, please notify the Financial Services Authority (who regulate investment activity in the UK) on 0845 606 1234 or emailing consumer.queries@fsa.gov.uk, or alternatively complete the notification form on the following link: http://www.fsa.gov.uk/Pages/Doing/Regulated/Law/Alerts/index.shtml.
• The FSA can be contacted by completing an online form at www.fsa.gov.uk
• Inform our Registrar using the contact details available here
• If the calls persist, hang up.
• Note that if you deal with an unauthorised firm, you would not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.