The FSCA has warned that individuals are impersonating the Authority’s Commissioner, Unathi Kamlana (pictured), on social media to commit fraud.
It has come to the FSCA’s attention that a member of the public received WhatsApp messages from an individual (or individuals) pretending to Kamlana. The impersonator “attempts to convey the outcome of what seems to be a legitimate ongoing investigation into some sensitive transactions” involving the member of the public and an FSP. The impersonator appears to offer a reimbursement, while soliciting a settlement payment, the FSCA said in a statement issued on 8 June.
The FSCA said the impersonation of Kamlana was a serious matter and an investigation, with the co-operation of the complainant, was under way.
The statement said the FSCA and Kamlana do not conduct any business on WhatsApp.
The FSCA has formal processes to deal with any matters it is investigating, and the outcome of or progress with an investigation will not be communicated via WhatsApp. The Authority will also not investigate a matter through its individual executives, representatives or staff members in the manner described above, nor in any other manner not prescribed by legislation, the Authority said.
The public should regard any entity or person purporting to represent the FSCA on WhatsApp, or any social media platform, with suspicion, and should contact the Authority immediately by phoning the toll-free number 0800 110 443.
