US scammers target Blues shareholders to ‘sell stake’
BLUES shareholders are being targeted in an elaborate bogus shares scam. They are receiving calls purporting to be from the representative of a New York tycoon bidding to take over the Championship football club.
The high-powered businessman has, they are informed, a 43 per cent stake in the St Andrew’s club, but seeks a majority 51 per cent slice.
Fans are being asked to sell their shares for between £20 and £27, but the offer is a con. The trap is set and the inevitable request for personal details follows.
Blues spokesman Colin stressed the offer was bogus.
He said: “It doesn’t stack up because of the complex nature of the company’s ownership. You would have to buy the listings of the parent company.”
Former shareholding supporter Tim Beddow, from Warley, received his offer from New York on Tuesday. “For me, a question mark was immediately raised because I did
Tattum have 98 shares, but sold them some time ago,” he told the Post.
“The information the gentleman who rang me had – and that information is out there – is out of date.” Mr Beddow was also suspicious when he asked for an official letter outlining the offer.
“I was told that would be difficult because of restrictions on sending mail from America during the pandemic,” he said. “The person I spoke to had an American accent, but I’d suggest was his second language.
“He wanted my email and I said no. He said his client had 43 per cent of the shares, which didn’t ring true.
“If someone had that big an interest
it in Birmingham City, I’m sure the press would have picked up on it.” Mr Beddow added: “He’s promised to ring me back, which should be interesting.”
In a statement, the club said: “Birmingham City Football Club has been made aware that approaches, both by phone and email, have been made to shareholders and former shareholders.
“Requests have been made to provide personal details, to sign various dealing and non-disclosure agreements.
“Please note that this is a scam and the club strongly recommends that all persons in receipt of such communications do not respond, send money or sign any agreements.”
Anyone receiving a call should contact Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
The service is run by the City of London Police and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. Call 0300 123 2040 or see actionfraud.police. uk.