FSCA warns the public against Neil Hanekom and Richard Pronzo claiming to be associated with FSCA

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) warns the public not to deal with Neil Hanekom and Richard Pronzo who falsely claim to be associated with the FSCA. This follows the FSCA receiving information that Neil Hanekom and Richard Pronzo have been contacting members of the public claiming to be tracing agents for the FSCA.

In their correspondence, they state that the FSCA helps retrenched and former employees of corporate and industrial entities who are owed unclaimed unemployment benefit funds, undeclared leave days, retirement funds and unclaimed insurance policies. They advise consumers of the amount that is supposedly due to them and request documents, as well as payment of a fee in order to release the funds. These individuals contact people on various platforms including phone calls, email and WhatsApp. One of the WhatsApp numbers they use is 065 199 6299. They also make use of the following email address: [email protected]

The FSCA does not have any affiliation with Neil Hanekom and Richard Pronzo. Furthermore, the FSCA does not make use of any tracing agents nor will they contact you without any solicitation from yourself or your request for assistance. The FSCA does not charge any fees for assisting the public while retirement funds and administrators will not ask for an upfront payment of a fee when assisting with unclaimed benefits. Therefore, consumers are advised to be cautious when approached by individuals or entities claiming to be tracing agents and soliciting payment of a fee.

Members of the public should always check that an entity or individual is registered with the FSCA to provide Financial Advisory & Intermediary Services and what category of advice it is that the entity is registered to provide. There are instances where persons are registered to provide basic advisory services for a low risk product and then offer services of a far more complex and risky nature. The FSCA again reminds consumers who wish to conduct financial services with an institution or person to check beforehand with the FSCA on either the toll free number (0800 110 443) or on the website www.fsca.co.za as to whether or not such institution or person is authorised to render financial services.