CELTIC shareholders have been warned they have been targeted by fraudsters attempting investment scams.
The club has issued a notice to fans and investors who own shares in the SPFL champions side after the con was discovered.
They say a number of shareholders have received “unsolicited telephone calls” about their “investment in Celtic plc”.
It is believed stakeholders were targeted by suspected “boiler room” fraudsters.
A “boiler room” scam is a share fraud in which investors receive cold calls offering them worthless, overpriced or non-existent shares. While they promise high returns, those who invest usually end up losing their money.
A statement from Celtic said: “A number of shareholders have again received unsolicited telephone calls concerning their investments in Celtic plc.
“Telephone numbers are usually taken from publicly available resources such as shareholder lists and investors will often be told that they need to make a quick decision or miss out on the deal.
“Shareholders should be extremely wary of any unsolicited advice, offers, approaches or other communications regarding their shares and/or personal information.
“Following a recent increase in the prevalence of so‐called “boiler room” scams, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Institute of Chartered Secretaries (ICSA) have produced advice warning investors about unsolicited communications concerning investment matters. We continue to encourage Celtic shareholders to be vigilant.”
Shareholders have been advised to:
* Reduce the number of unsolicited mailings and cold calls you receive by registering with the Telephone Preference Service and Mailing Preference Service.
* Make sure you get the correct name of the person and organisation.
* Check that they are properly authorised by the FCA before getting involved by visiting http://www.fca.org.uk/register. You should access the Register only through the FCA website rather than through links in emails or on the website of a firm offering you an investment. Also check the address of the FCA website is correct and there are not subtle changes that mean it is a fake.
* To confirm the identity of an authorised firm, ask for their “firm reference number” (FRN) and contact details, but always call them back on the switchboard number given on the FCA’s Register.
* With fraudsters adapting their tactics, you should make additional checks to confirm you are dealing with the financial services firm in question and have the correct contact details – especially if you have been cold‐called. This might include checking the details on the firm’s website, or with directory enquiries or Companies House
* If you have been approached about an investment scam – or a firm you suspect is not legitimate ‐ or think you have been the victim of a share scam, report the matter to the FCA either by calling 0800 111 6768, or visiting http://www.fca.org.uk/consumer
* If the calls persist, hang up.
