TIM DREW: Beware of potential '˜boiler room' cold-callers

Every year in the UK, an estimated £1.2billion is lost to investment fraud and, according to the Financial Conduct Authority, those most likely to be victims of fraud are aged over 65.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Sep 2016, 12:00 BST
Updated 4th Oct 2016, 13:49 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Tim DrewTim Drew
Tim Drew

But only ten per cent of such crimes are reported, meaning that the number of people affected by investment scams is, in reality, much higher.

Even experienced investors have been known to fall victim to “boiler room” fraudsters, who often come across as being professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

They sometimes establish contact with their targets by offering to provide research reports on companies of which the targets are shareholders, but usually tend to use cold-calling tactics, using high-pressure techniques to rush their would-be victims into making a quick decision.

Some firms may disguise a cold-call by sending you, or saying that they have sent you, uninvited emails or promotional brochures. Because many “boiler rooms” are run from abroad, though they may have offices in the UK, they are not covered by UK jurisdiction or compensation schemes.

One thing to remember is that all UK stockbrokers must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and that it is illegal for such firms to cold-call customers. All firms so authorised are listed on the FCA’s register.

The best thing to do on receiving a call from these crooks is to hang up, but they can be persistent. I myself have received a number of such calls and usually they hang up themselves when asked if they are authorised by the FCA.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, the representative of one “boiler room” informed me that this was indeed the case and asked me if I would like its number. On being told that it was illegal for authorised firms to cold-call customers, and then asked for the name of his firm, the caller hung up immediately.

The Central Ward Neighbourhood Panel will meet at the Ardington Hotel, Steyne Gardens, this evening (September 15) at 6.30pm.

---

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

1) Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Worthing.news

3) Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Related topics:TwitterFacebook