WARNING TO SHAREHOLDERS – BOILER ROOM SCAMS/UNSOLICITED TELEPHONE CALLS AND DOCUMENTS
In recent years, many companies, including Travis Perkins, have become aware that their shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment matters. 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 operations are commonly known as ‘boiler rooms’. These ‘brokers’ can be very persistent and extremely persuasive and sometimes these callers imply that they represent Travis Perkins, but in fact they have no connection with the company and have no authority to claim or imply that they are. 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 company reports. If you receive any unsolicited investment advice:
• Make sure you get the correct name of the person and organisation
• Check that they are properly authorised by the FSA before getting involved by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register/
• Report the matter to the FSA either by calling 0300 500 5000 or visiting www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
• If the calls persist, hang up.
If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The FSA can be contacted by completing an online form at www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/doing/regulated/law/alerts/overseas.shtml. Details of any share dealing facilities that the company endorses will be included in company mailings.
More detailed information on this or similar activity can be found on the Consumer Financial Education Body ("CFEB") website www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk. We would also suggest that you consult your own independent financial advisor before taking any action in relation to your shareholding in Travis Perkins.
