The South Africa Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) issued a public warning urging the public to exercise caution when conducting financial services business with Mr Lethabo Mashiane and Mr Vhuhwavho Lehaiva, who are reported to be soliciting funds for investment purposes and offering trading signals and related services. The FSCA states that neither individual is authorised under any financial sector law to provide financial services to the public in South Africa. The regulator notes that providing or publishing signals for online trading in financial products falls within the definition of “financial services” under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act and therefore requires a financial services provider licence, with unlicensed activity constituting a contravention and a criminal offence. It adds that the individuals did not respond to FSCA enquiries and advises consumers to verify a provider’s authorisation status before making payments and to watch for common warning signs of scams, including unrealistic returns, social media offers, upfront payment demands, pressure to act urgently, and vague product information.