How do I know if approach to buy shares is legit?

Reaper

christineb333 wrote: »

Think if you saw the email and how professional this set-up is you'd understand better why I wavered over its legitimacy

We see lots of scams on this board. One thing they all have is a flashy web site. That's easy to make in a few hours using a template and stock photos.

Likewise a professional looking email takes little time to do.

It's surprising how much faith people put in such little evidence.

dunstonh

All the hallmarks of a well known and common scam. Almost to the letter.

Wildsound

I think I would put £400 of my own money to bet that this is a scam, I've seen this (and worse) all too often and it worries me how all too often, people fall for it. Tell us the name of the shares, you are at no risk to disclose just this information.

dealer_wins

Its 100% a scam, a classic one at that thats been around many years.

Fifth_horseman

Others have beaten me to the punch here but, the name and address are freely available from the register of shareholders. Having said that no company instituting a take-over is going to make investors aware of it in advance. What's the first thing most shareholders would do if notified of a potential takeover before the market? Buy lots more shares since once the rumour is out the share price will jump - as such it makes it more difficult and more expensive for the acquiring company to get the shares it wants. Clearly a scam - don't touch it with a bargepole

C_Mababejive

Slightly OT but Where could you inspect registers of shareholders of companies?

Thrugelmir

C_Mababejive wrote: »

Slightly OT but Where could you inspect registers of shareholders of companies?

Companies House. The Company will be required to file an annual return.

dealer_wins

https://conversation.which.co.uk/money/telephone-share-buying-phone-scam-investment/

AnotherJoe

What everyone else said, most especially why would you think that £400 worth of shares is going to make any difference in a takeover? Even if it was £40k or £400k or £4M it would be immaterial to anything except the most tiny company.



I'm more surprised they are bothering with someone who only owns £400 worth it doesn't seem to be worth their time bilking you of that. Are you sure its just £400?



What is the company?

Paul_DNAP

AnotherJoe wrote: »

I'm more surprised they are bothering with someone who only owns £400 worth it doesn't seem to be worth their time bilking you of that. Are you sure its just £400?

A scam such as this sometimes requires the seller to pay for some sort of "insurance bond" or "NDA fee" to guarantee that they won't blab about the takeover. This could be several grand, even for a small share holding.
And if that is not enough to scare you off, when the transaction actually comes up you then of course need to tell them all your banking information, but instead of receiving a payment you lose control of your bank account and all your money. And the insurance bond. Oh, and your shares.