The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) warns the public to exercise caution when dealing with Ms Elizabeth McLean (McLean), who is purporting to be an employee of the FSCA.
The FSCA received information that Ms McLean has been contacting members of the public, claiming that she is acting on the instructions of the FSCA’s Commissioner to assist them with unclaimed benefits allegedly due to them. In one instance, a complainant was informed that he was entitled to an unclaimed benefit due to his deceased parent and that a fee was required for the claim to be processed. Despite making several payments, the complainant did not receive the alleged unclaimed benefits and was subsequently unable to contact Ms McLean.
The FSCA confirms that Ms McLean, or the person claiming to be her, is not employed by the FSCA and is using its name and brand without authorisation. The FSCA was unable to contact Ms McLean using the contact details provided.
While the FSCA will, where possible, explore and consider lawful mechanisms for the return of funds for the benefit of victims, it is not mandated to recover investors’ funds. The relevant Ombud schemes are mandated to assist with such recoveries. The FSCA will not, under any circumstances, request fees or payments for assistance with unclaimed benefits.