Warning to shareholders

Be ScamSmart

Investment scams are designed to look like normal investments. Don’t get caught out.

Spot the warning signs. Have you been...

  • contacted out of the blue
  • offered significantly more than market value for your shares
  • promised tempting returns
  • promised an investment is safe
  • called repeatedly
  • told the offer is only available for a limited time?

If so you might have been contacted by fraudsters.

Avoid share fraud

  • Reject cold calls - if you've been cold-called with an offer to buy or sell shares, chances are it's a high-risk investment or a scam. Treat it with extreme caution.
  • Check the firm on the Financial Services Register - a public record of all the firms and individuals in the financial services industry that are regulated by the FCA.
  • Get impartial advice - before you hand over any money, seek advice from someone unconnected to the firm that has approached you.
  • Don’t use unauthorised firms to buy or sell shares or investments. If things go wrong, you won’t be protected by the Financial Ombudsman Service or Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
  • Find out more about how to avoid being a victim of share fraud at the FCA website.

Protect yourself

  • Keep your Shareholder Reference Number and Investor Centre username and password secure. Just like you would for your bank account details and PIN.
  • Never share your personal shareholder details with unexpected callers.
  • If you have any concerns about your Aviva shares, email avivashares@computershare.co.uk.

Report a scam

Here's how to report a scam, and you can find out more at FCA Scam Smart.

Report to the FCA

If you suspect you’ve been approached by fraudsters, tell the FCA. Use their share fraud reporting form or call the FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.

Report to Action Fraud

If you’ve lost money to investment fraud, you should report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online.