Beware of Fraudulent Activities and Suspicious Solicitations by Individuals Claiming to Be Associated with Sumitomo Corporation

Fraudulent activities have been identified both in Japan and overseas involving individuals falsely claiming to be officers, employees or affiliates of Sumitomo Corporation (hereinafter "the Company") or its Group companies. These individuals may solicit investments, pose as recruiters or otherwise attempt to induce victims to transfer funds to fraudulent accounts or disclose personal or financial information. Although such schemes may involve fake websites, social media accounts, email addresses and other means, they are in no way associated with the Company or its Group companies.

Examples of Fraudulent Activities Identified

The following types of incidents have been identified involving individuals falsely claiming to be officers, employees, representatives or agents of the Company or its Group companies:

• Soliciting investments in, or purchases of, investment opportunities or financial products
• Invitations to engage in transactions or participate in business ventures
• Invitations to apply for employment opportunities
• Directing individuals to fake websites or social media accounts that use the Company’s name, logo or employee names without authorization
• Requesting personal information, including bank account numbers and credit card numbers, via social media, email, telephone, etc.
• Attempting to gain trust by presenting fake employee ID cards or identification documents

The purpose of these activities is to obtain money—such as by directing victims to transfer funds to fraudulent accounts—or to acquire sensitive corporate or personal information. In some cases, such activities may also be used as part of cyber-attacks.

Official Company Practices

The Company and its group companies do not engage in any of the following activities:

• Individually soliciting investments or financial products from the general public
• Requesting money transfers or remittances via social media or personal communication channels
• Requesting that members of the public provide personal information, account details, PINs or similar confidential information
• Directing individuals to websites or social media accounts unrelated to the Company

What to Do If You Are Contacted Suspiciously

If you receive a message claiming to be from an executive, employee or affiliate of the Company or its Group companies and find it suspicious, please take the following precautions:

• Do not reply, contact them, send money or provide any information
• Do not click on any URLs in the email or open any attachments
• Do not accept the sender's identity at face value; verify it carefully before taking any action.
• If you believe you may be a victim of fraud, please consult the nearest police station or other relevant authorities

The Company will continue to combat fraudulent activities that misuse its name or brand.
We ask that you remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions.