unauthorised brokers

Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free company reports. These are typically from overseas based ‘brokers’ who target UK shareholders offering to sell them what often turns out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK investments. These operations are commonly known as ‘boiler rooms’. 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/home.do
• Report the matter to the FSA either by calling 0845 606 1234 or completing an Unauthorised Firms Reporting Form online at www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/doing/regulated/law/alerts/overseas.shtml
• If the calls persist hang up.

(If you deal with an unauthorised overseas firm, you will not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.)

Details of any share dealing facilities that the Company endorses will be included in company mailings.

• More detailed information can be found on the FSA website http://www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/news/scams/share_scams.html