Guidance on share fraud
Unsolicited or suspicious communication
Shareholders are advised to be wary of suspicious or unsolicited mail or telephone calls in relation to their Ricardo shares.
These may include offers to buy shares at a discount, sell shares at a premium or to provide a free company report. These communications imply a connection with Ricardo and are often from overseas-based ‘brokers’ who are very persuasive and extremely persistent, with professional websites to support their activities.
Such communications are not endorsed by Ricardo as a company, which does not participate in unsolicited communication programmes. The calls should be treated as scams and should be reported to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) so that they can investigate. You are able to do this either online at scamsmart.fca.org.uk/page/have-you-been-contacted-about-an-investment-scam or by calling them on 0300 500 8082*, or +44 (0)207 066 1000* from outside the UK.
If you do receive telephone calls, emails, letters from Ricardo or from companies purportedly endorsed by Ricardo and you are unsure if they are legitimate, please contact our shareholder helpline for clarification on 0371 384 2985**.
More information can be found on the FCA’s website www.fca.org.uk/consumers/scams and scamsmart.fca.org.uk.
* FCA lines open 8.00 am to 6.00 pm, Monday to Friday (UK time), excluding public holidays in England and Wales, and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, Saturday (UK time). Calls to an 03 number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number.
** Shareholder helpline opens 8.30 am to 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday (UK time), excluding public holidays in England and Wales. Calls to an 03 number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number.