Shareholder centre
Unsolicited mail and calls
Increasingly, our shareholders are receiving unsolicited mail and calls from overseas ‘brokers’.
We are obliged by law to make our share register available for inspection. As this information is in the public domain, scammers may use it to send shareholders unsolicited mail.
Unsolicited communications
In recent years, many companies 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 investments in the United States or United Kingdom.
These operations are commonly known as boiler rooms. These brokers can be very persistent and extremely persuasive.
We have been made aware of approaches made to shareholders by companies in the United States offering to buy your shares.
Severn Trent has no knowledge of these companies. We advise shareholders to treat calls with caution.
Share fraud includes scams where investors are called unexpectedly and offered shares that often turn out to be worthless or non-existent, or an inflated price for shares they own.
What to do if you receive suspect contact about shares in Severn Trent
If you are offered unsolicited investment advice, discounted shares, a premium price for shares you own, or free company or research reports, you should take these steps before handing over any money:
Get the name of the person and organisation contacting you.
Check the Financial Services Register to make sure the person or organisation you're talking to is authorised.
Use the details on the Financial Services Register to contact the firm.
Call the Financial Conduct Authority consumer helpline on 0800 111 6768 if there are no contact details on the Financial Services Register, or you are told they are out of date.
Search for the company on the FCA list of unauthorised firms and individuals.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Make sure you're protected
If you use an unauthorised firm to buy or sell shares or other investments, you will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or Financial Services Compensation Scheme if things go wrong.
You should report any suspicious contact you have from possible scammers to the FCA. You can also call the Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.
If you have already paid money to share fraudsters, you should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Details of any share dealing facilities that the we endorse will be included in our correspondence with you.
Protecting yourself from unsolicited mail
To limit the amount of unsolicited mail you receive, you can register with the Mailing Preference Service or call the MPS Registration line on 0845 703 4599.
Alternatively please contact:
The Mailing Preference Service (MPS)
DMA House
70 Margaret Street
London
W1W 8SS
The Mailing Preference Service is an independent organisation which offers a free service to the public. Registering with them will help stop most unsolicited consumer advertising.
You can contact the Data and Marketing Association to restrict unsolicited telephone calls, faxes and emails.