Irish Stock Exchange Warns Investors About Share Scams

"Boiler room scams" offer to buy shares at higher prices than current market values

These so called “boiler room scams” are operated by fraudsters who contact investors unexpectedly and offer to buy their shares at prices higher than current market value. These unauthorised individuals and companies obtain investor information and contact details by accessing publicly available shareholder lists. While cold-calling by phone is the most common form of contact they may also use email, post, face-to-face contact or approach investors at seminars.

These individuals often use high pressure sales tactics and tell investors that they need to make a quick decision or miss out on a deal which will give them a large return on their investment. The offer to purchase shares will likely come with a request for bank details or money up front as a bond or other form of security, which will be accompanied by a guarantee to pay back the money involved if the sale does not go ahead. This advance fee is part of the scam – investors are unlikely to hear from them again.

Investors are reminded to be vigilant - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

The ISE reminds investors that if they are in receipt of an unsolicited contact from someone offering to buy their shares that they should:

• Remain vigilant – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
• Do not respond to high pressure tactics to provide bank details or arrange to transfer money if you are unsure of the bona fide nature of the caller.
• Take a note of the name of the person and organisation that has contacted you.
• Check if the company or individual is on the list of authorised investment firms which is available from the Central Bank's website. This also contains a list of unauthorised firms that the Central Bank has issued warning notices on and a form to report a suspected unauthorised firm.
• Obtain independent advice from a qualified advisor or stockbroker.