Kingfisher plc is legally obliged to make its share register available to the general public. As a result, some shareholders may receive unsolicited mail, including correspondence from unauthorised investment companies.
Companies have become increasingly aware that their shareholders are receiving unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment matters. These are typically from overseas based brokers who target UK shareholders offering to sell what often turn out to be worthless or high-risk shares in US or UK investments. They can be very persistent and extremely persuasive. 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 name of the person and organisation.
- Check that they are properly authorised by the FCA before getting involved. You can check at www.fca.org.uk
- The FCA also maintains a list of unauthorised overseas firms who are targeting, or have targeted, UK investors and any approach from such organisations should be reported to the FCA so that this list can be kept up to date and any other appropriate action can be considered. If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you would not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The FCA can be contacted by completing an online form at www.fca.org.uk
- Inform our Registrars:
Computershare Investor Services PLC
The Pavilions
Bridgwater Road
Bristol
BS99 6ZZ
Tel: +44 (0) 370 702 0129
Website: www.investorcentre.co.uk
Details of any share dealing facilities that the company endorses will be included in company mailings.
Tips on protecting your shareholding
- Ensure all your certificates are kept in a safe place or hold your shares electronically in CREST via a nominee
- Keep all correspondence from the Registrars which shows your shareowner reference number in a safe place, or destroy correspondence by shredding
- If you change address inform the Registrars. If you receive a letter from the Registrars regarding a change of address and you have not recently moved, please contact them immediately.
- If you change your bank account, inform the Registrars of the details of your new account. Respond to any letters the Registrars send to you about this.
- If you are buying or selling shares, only deal with brokers registered in the UK or in your country of residence.
Change of Address and Bank Mandate Security
Kingfisher’s Registrar will not register a change of address or change of Bank Mandate instructions unless in writing and signed by the shareholder. They will take any other measures they feel reasonable to protect shareholders from fraudsters.