These are typically from overseas-based ‘brokers’, working for firms that have become known as ‘boiler rooms’, who target shareholders, offering to sell them what often turn out to be worthless or high risk shares, or by offering investment opportunities to purchase newly-issued guaranteed income bonds. GSK has also recently seen an increased volume of scam calls to its shareholders involving offers to purchase GSK shares at a premium price, as part of a supposed takeover scheme.
These ‘brokers’ can be very persistent and extremely persuasive, and often offer very attractive returns. It is not just novice investors who have been duped in this way. Many victims have 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 bonds with a guaranteed income, offers to sell their GSK shares at a premium price, or offers of free company reports.
If you receive any unsolicited investment advice, we recommend that you:
- Make sure you get the name of the person and organisation
- Check that the firm is properly authorised before getting involved by visiting the FCA register of authorised firms
- Do not give out any personal information until you are certain the scheme is legitimate
- If you have any concerns, report the matter to the FCA either by calling 0800 111 6768 or by using this online form
The FCA publishes a list of these unauthorised firms on its website. If one of these firms contacts you by phone, the best course of action is to hang up. If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme or have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service. If you have already paid money to share fraudsters you should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
GSK is aware that shareholders have received, and continue to receive, unsolicited communications from various third parties prompting shareholders to buy or sell their GSK securities, or inviting them to invest in bond issuances.
We strongly recommend that all calls and emails received from third parties persuading shareholders to deal in GSK securities or partake in bond investing be ignored as they may be scams. We encourage all shareholders to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to the FCA using the contact details provided above.
You should never give out your personal details or click on a link in an unsolicited email as it could compromise your personal or internet security. If in doubt, please contact GSK directly.
Details of any share dealing facilities that GSK endorses will be included in company mailings.
For more information on investment scams, please visit the FCA website.
