Be aware of share fraud and 'boiler room' scams.
Many companies have become aware that their shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment matters which imply a connection to the company concerned.
These are typically from overseas-based 'brokers' who target UK shareholders, offering to sell them what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK investments. These 'brokers' can be very persistent and extremely persuasive. 5,000 people contact the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) each year, with victims losing an average of £20,000. It is not just the novice investor that has been duped in this way; many of the victims had been successfully investing for several years.
Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free reports into the company.
If you receive any unsolicited investment advice:
If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Details of any share dealing facilities authorised by Legal & General will be included in company mailings.
You can find more detailed information on share fraud and similar activity on the FCA website.