Capital Gains Tax
Events that have affected National Grid shareholders since the privatisation of British Gas in 1986 and the distribution of National Grid Group shares in 1995/1996.
Warning to National Grid Shareholders - Boiler Room Scams
Many companies have become aware that their shareholders have received unsolicited phone calls or correspondence concerning investment matters. These are typically from overseas based 'brokers' who target UK shareholders, offering to sell them what often turns out to be worthless or high risk shares in US or UK investments. These operations are commonly known as 'boiler rooms'. These 'brokers' can be very persistent and extremely persuasive and a 2006 survey by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has reported that the average amount lost by investors is around £20,000. It is not just the novice investor that has been duped in this way; many of the victims had been successfully investing for several years.
Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free company reports. If you receive any unsolicited investment advice:
- make sure you get the correct name of the person and organisation
- check that they are properly authorised by the FSA before getting involved by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk
- if the firm does not appear on the FSA Register, report the matter to the FSA either by calling the Consumer Helpline or completing the Online Reporting Form
- if the calls persist, hang up.
The FSA website also has a list of names of some firms and/or individuals who are not approved or authorised by the FSA to conduct regulated activities.
If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
Details of share dealing facilities that the company endorses are included in company mailings.
More detailed information on Boiler Room Scams or similar activity can be found on the FSA website.