Warning to shareholders

Boiler room scams

Please be aware that there has been an increase in reports from Aviva shareholders who have recently received unsolicited telephone calls from fraudulent companies, offering to buy Aviva shares often at inflated prices. We suspect the calls are part of a scam and Aviva would like to remind its shareholders to remain vigilant at all times. Please see the warning below for further information on what you should do if you are contacted in this manner.

If you have any queries, please email aviva.shareholders@aviva.com.

General information

Share scams are often run from "boiler rooms" where fraudsters cold-call investors offering them worthless, overpriced or even non-existent shares, or offer to buy their shares in a company at a much higher price than the market value. The "boiler room" scam has developed over recent years and there has been an increase in reports of overseas fraudsters contacting shareholders to sell and buy shares using the names, registration numbers and addresses of authorised firms and individuals in an attempt to convince consumers of their legitimacy. While they promise high returns, those who invest usually end up losing their money.

How to protect yourself

• Remain vigilant - be very wary of any unsolicited advice, or offers to buy shares at a discount.
• If you receive any unsolicited investment advice of this nature, make sure you get the correct name of the person and organisation and make a record of any other information they give you e.g. telephone number, address etc.
• Check the FSA register to ensure that anyone who is offering to sell your shares is properly authorised. For more information, please view the FSA's top 10 tips to protect your savings.
• Inform our Registrar, Computershare.
• If calls persist, hang up.
• You should also report suspected boiler room fraud to the police.

If you have received any unsolicited investment advice or think you may have been contacted in relation to a possible scam either by telephone, by email, or via the post, the matter should be reported to the FSA by calling 0845 606 1234, or by completing the online boiler room reporting form.