SHUT DOWN BY THE NCR
E XCE LL ENCE IS D OIN G ORD IN A R Y THING S
E XT R AO RD I N A RI LY W E L L
– John W. Gardner
SHUT DOWN BY THE NCR
SCAMMERS BUSTED BY NCR
NCR SHUTTING DOWN SCAMMERS
Scammers have been ripping off consumers with Get Out Of Debt Review scams.
Thousands of consumers have been scammed out of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of Rand.
Now the National Credit Regulator is taking action to shut them down.
SCAMMERS BUSTED BY NCR
SCAMMERS EVERYWHERE THESE DAYS
You probably opened up your email today and were able to spot several scam messages.
We have all had to become better at identifying the difference between real emails from your bank and fake ones. We have all just got used to scam offers from fake Princes and bogus attorneys wanting to pay you your share of a lost relative's fortune.
It is a sad reality of life and Ai is making things even more complicated than ever before.
It is always sad to hear about businesses or elderly pensioners getting scammed.
Please be vigilant everyone!
SCAMMERS BUSTED BY NCR
SCAMMERS MUST GO
Recently, the NCR struck a blow against shoddy Debt Counsellors acting as fronts for scam mills who go after people with debt review statuses showing at credit bureaus.
Such scammers advertise on social media or email, call or sms consumers with fake offers to help them get out of debt review. They take money up front and consumers end up lied to or outright lose their money.
The NCR uncovered massive fraud and illegal activity and took several phoney Debt Counsellors to the National Consumer Tribunal to have their registration removed.
While it is horrible to think that the debt review and debt counselling industry has a negative element, the reality is that scammers have moved into the space and are raking in millions from vulnerable and desperate consumers.
SCAMMERS BUSTED BY NCR
KICKING THE SCAMMERS OUT THE INDUSTRY
Debt review already has some reputational issues spurred on by negative comments from major credit providers.
There is no room for scammers who are actively trying to undermine the purpose of the Act and bring the industry into disrepute.
The NCR recently investigated some scammers and took action to shut them down. Here are some of the highlights from the NCT cases where the phoney Debt Counsellors were exposed and deregistered.
NCR vs Matea Gladness Maota
This Debt Counsellor was not using a PDA to receive funds from consumers. She also got court orders saying that consumers had no more debts when they actually did still owe credit providers. She issued false clearance certificates.
Outcome: Deregistered! R100 000 fine
NCR vs Mandisa Perseverance Balungile Mthembu
This Debt Counsellor blamed her employer for telling her to just update the NCR’s database with incorrect information saying the consumers were no longer over indebted. She did so even though there were no documents or paid up letters from any credit providers. Sorry, even the Nazi’s couldn’t get away with saying the boss made them do it.
Outcome:
Suspended for 2 years!
NCR vs Christopher Sethole
The NCR proved that Christopher Sithole was issuing clearance certificates for people who had not paid up their debt. The scam used a 3rd party to produce fake letters that looked like they were from various credit providers. These were sent to the NCR and Credit Bureaus.
Outcome: Deregistered! R25 000 fine
SCAMMERS BUSTED BY NCR
WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN
It must be acknowledged that there are many, many, many scammers out there and these recently rulings only scratch the surface.
Yes, there is more work to be done. But…you have to start somewhere, right?
Hopefully, the consumers involved bring civil litigation against these people. Hopefully SAPS or the Hawks press fraud charges. Hopefully the credit providers take massive legal action against such scammers to make a point.
Let’s see if any of these scammers ends up in jail or loses their fancy cars and homes.
For now, all we can say is:
Well done to the NCR team and the NCT for taking steps to combat this scourge!
FROM THE EDITOR
Did you hear about the finance company where scammers used deepfake technology and video calls to convince someone to pay out $25 Million?
That’s about R500 Million. Half a Billion Rand. Crazy!
It’s scary what scammers can do these days.
Closer to home, a friend of ours was recently hit with a holiday related scam where the scammers got them to download an app onto their phone and soon money went missing.
So horrible, so unfair.
In just a few moments, years of saving and planning can disappear. These scammers are ruthless.
It’s hard to express just how much we at the magazine never want to write the word: ‘scam’ anywhere near the words: ‘debt review’. Its such a shame that bad people are taking advantage of those who are (or have been) under debt review.
The reasons the environment exists where such scammers can and do exist are many, and we delve into that in this issue. But here we are. We are reporting on scams hitting those in debt review.
Still, it is really encouraging to see some action being taken against scammers which is what much of this issue is focused on. We have news on what exactly has been happening and tips on how to protect yourself. Be sure to check that out.
We also have a ton of advice as always, including info on how to get hold of reliable, trustworthy suppliers in the service directory section. So, that’s good.
All I would like to say to those currently under debt review is, please stick with the program. Don’t give up. It makes sense that it will get hard before it gets easy and it makes sense that getting out of debt will take time. Please don’t listen to anyone making unrealistic promises or trying to lure you into more debt. Rather focus on becoming debt free.
DISCLAIMER
Debtfree Magazine considers its sources reliable and verifies as much information as possible. However, reporting inaccuracies can occur, consequently readers using this information do so at their own risk.
Debtfree Magazine makes content available with the understanding that the publisher is not rendering legal services or financial advice. Although persons and companies mentioned herein are believed to be reputable, neither Debtfree Magazine nor any of its employees, sales executives or contributors accept any responsibility whatsoever for their activities.
Debtfree Magazine contains material supplied to us by advertisers which does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Debtfree Magazine team. No person, organization or party can copy or re-produce the content on this site and/or magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the editors’ panel and the author of the content, as applicable. Debtfree Magazine, authors and contributors reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. We are an Ai friendly publication and enjoy working with our future overlords.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
HOW DID
WE
GET HERE?
You may have recently seen news about how the NCR is trying to shut down scammers who are abusing consumers desperate to leave debt review.
This has become an issue affecting 1 out of every 60 South Africans. You might wonder: How did we get here?
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
THEY NEVER REALISED IT WOULD HAPPEN
Due to the strange way the National Credit Act is written, there is only one way to leave debt review: by paying up all your existing debts (technically 2 ways, if you count dying).
The optimistic lawmakers of years gone by, never imagined that anyone would not want to finish the process. They couldn’t foresee a situation where people would have buyers’ remorse right after signing up (admittedly they were politicians and not marketing people). Only later down the line, would the Consumer Protection Act really talk about cooling off periods.
They never imagined the situation where people would miss payments and lose the services of their Debt Counsellor, but would still have a debt review status showing at credit bureaus for years to come. As a result, credit bureaus end up displaying irrelevant and inaccurate information.
They didn’t realise that after nearly 2 decades, there would be around 1 million people with debt review status’ showing on credit bureaus who are not actually “doing” debt review.
Did You Know?
When a consumer signs up for debt review, a Debt Counsellor is obliged to capture this application on the National Credit Regulator’s (NCR) database within a few days.
The database then forwards info to all credit bureaus informing them that the consumer has applied for debt review (which is something the Act requires Debt Counsellors to do).
The law then says that consumers have to pay off their debts before the status is removed.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
18 YEARS LATER PEOPLE ARE DESPERATE
The core of the problem lies in the credit bureaus displaying a status on peoples’ credit reports that the credit providers fear.
Even if consumers can realistically pay for new credit, the risk of reckless credit accusations is just too scary and can result in fines, writing off of that debt and most importantly the all too real risk to share prices.
Since no one has bothered to update the National Credit Act to sort out this giant issue, which is preventing people from having access to credit, people have become desperate.
And so, they have begun to look for solutions.
Some people tried to use the courts to change their over indebted status. They paid attorneys to go to court to try get rid of debt review court orders or be declared “not over indebted” – you won’t find that in the NCA.
Interestingly, it can be argued that any such orders should not actually remove the status’ shown at credit bureaus, since the current wording of the NCA does not allow for the bureaus to simply remove the listing.
Other people simply asked Debt Counsellors to issue them with Clearance Certificates (Form 19s) even if they still had some debts remaining. For a while this was going on. But since that is untrue it is illegal.
Since many people have court orders through the National Consumer Tribunal (which don’t actually rule on the consumers over indebtedness), such orders were next to come under attack. Smart attorneys argued that their clients (who wanted to change credit bureau statuses) should never have got a NCT order in the first place.
For a while, some of these applications worked. Later they were shut down and are now regularly rejected.
All of these attempts were made by desperate consumers eager to get their debt review status removed at the credit bureaus, so they could go out and ask for more credit.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
ENTER THE SCAMMERS
Imagine finding a group of 1 million consumers who are desperate and uneducated about the very thing they are trying to get rid of.
What an amazing opportunity for scammers! The market was ripe for the picking and so social media soon became flooded with more adverts to help people get out of debt review than there are to help people with debt review.
Desperate consumers were throwing themselves into the scammer’s laps. Some scammers went low and charged R500 for fake clearance letters. Others charge R5000, R8000 or even R20 000.
The scams generally fall into 3 categories:
1. In some cases, the scammers operate with one email or phone number for a while and then after getting enough money, simply disappear.
2. In other cases, the scammers say they tried to help but the credit providers refuse to cooperate. They then try trick the consumer into starting up debt review again.
3. In extreme cases, the scammers produce fake letters supposedly from credit providers to try con the credit bureaus and send these false documents to the Regulator.
These scammers have all been so busy they have set up call centres just to deal with all the work coming their way from desperate consumers who want to get rid of their credit bureau listing.
The money has been pouring in and consumers are the ones losing out.
DEBT COUNSELLOR TRANSFERS
Many of these scams start with advice from the scammer to try get away from the Debt Counsellor on record at the NCR (on the NCR’s database).
The NCR and hard-working Debt Counsellors have been inundated with hundreds of thousands of requests to transfer clients from one Debt Counsellor to another. The “other Debt Counsellor” being a front for the scammers.
Sadly, due to the extreme grey area and confusion surrounding these issues, there are some people who are prepared to front such scammers in exchange for bundles of cash. They do the debt counselling course, sign up with the NCR and then proceed to abuse their registration by working with these scammers.
Until recently only a few scammers have been bust, so that made them brave. As yet, no scammers have ended up in jail or prosecuted for fraud in their personal capacity. There has been little to fear.
It even seems that some scammers work in tandem with sloppy Debt Counsellors who seem to purposefully sign-up people who are not committed to debt review, taking fees from them, only to then extract fees from them with a “get out of debt review” scam. They get fees from them twice, first to join debt review and then to leave, shocking! HOW DID WE GET HERE?
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
DESTROYING THE PURPOSE
OF THE ACT
It might be argued that this current scamdemic is happening due to mistakes made in the wording of the NCA. Perhaps because no one has bothered to go and amend the NCA when the problem first appeared.
It could be argued that allowing credit bureaus to keep record of people who are not actively under debt review is wrong. Maybe it is keeping these consumers from a constitutional right (access to credit).
Whatever the reason, scammers have a pool of a million desperate South Africans who are prepared to gamble thousands of hard-earned rands to try get rid of these listings with the credit bureaus.
Debt Counsellors are putting in effort all day, every day to try and find consumers who want to pay off their debts through debt review. Sadly, much of that messaging is simply drowned out by these scams.
Even worse, consumers who are actively under debt review with good intentions are being contacted by scammers with false promises and are falling for it.
Each time a Debt Counsellor gets a request from someone to transfer their clients away it makes them die a little inside.
Let’s hope that something can be done in time to save these consumers because, at present, this issue is invalidating the entire purpose of the National Credit Act.
DEBT REVIEW
If Someone Calls With a “Better Offer”
If you are in debt review and someone offer you lower monthly repayments on your debts by switching to their debt counselling services, ask yourself:
• If I pay less each month, will I have to pay for longer?
• Why should I switch if my plan is already working?
• If I have a court order, won’t that need to change, with new legal fees?
• If I pay less, won’t that mean the interest portion will be higher, meaning I pay more over time?
Don’t fall for any such offers. Rather talk to your Debt Counsellor!
THE BEST WAY TO GET OUT OF DEBT REVIEW FAST
GET OUT OF DEBT REVIEW FAST
3 STEPS TO PAY OFF YOUR DEBT FASTER
Many people who are in debt review would love to finish the process sooner than the typical 60 months.
The good news is that it can be done.
Once you’ve adjusted to living on cash and are used to making regular debt repayments, it’s possible to speed up your debt review.
By earning a little more, spending a little less, and working closely with your Debt Counsellor, you could complete debt review much faster— some even finish in only 36 months!
Here’s how to get started.
GET OUT OF DEBT REVIEW FAST
STEP 1: CHECK YOUR BUDGET
Once you have the hang of a cash lifestyle, not relying on credit every month, you can take a fresh look at your planned budget.
Are there small expenses you can cut back on?
Every little bit counts. Even small savings, like reducing takeaways or cutting long standing subscriptions, can be used to pay extra toward your debt.
And remember: if you get a raise or a bonus, consider using part of it to boost your payments.
GET OUT OF DEBT REVIEW FAST
STEP 2: TALK TO YOUR DEBT COUNSELLOR
Before you rush and just start throwing this extra little bit of money around, it is good to get some objective advice.
Your Debt Counsellor is your best guide when it comes to paying off debt faster. They can even check if you qualify for early settlement deals on smaller debts.
Paying off one or two small accounts can free up extra money to put toward bigger debts.
Always speak to your Debt Counsellor before making any changes—they’ll help you stay on track and avoid mistakes that will waste your time and money.
GET OUT OF DEBT REVIEW FAST
STEP 3: PAY MORE WHEN
YOU CAN
Even small extra payments here and there can have a big impact over time. This "snowball effect" helps you pay off debts faster and reduces how much interest you ultimately pay. With consistent extra payments, you could cut months—or even years—off your debt review plan. Many people who start with the typical 60-month debt review plan have finished in around 36 months, thanks to small positive changes.
GET OUT OF DEBT REVIEW FAST
STEP 4: FINAL TIP
When you first start debt review, making the adjustments is the hardest part. But over time you will find your feet and things will shift.
Then the waiting will become the hardest part. You may become agitated waiting to get your debt review over and done with. That’s not a bad feeling, especially if it motivates you in the right way.
So, make adjustments to free up more cash to pay towards your debts and you could finish debt review faster than you ever thought.
Just try and keep your Debt Counsellor in the loop. They’ll help you find the best way to pay off your debt safely and as swiftly as possible.
DEBT REVIEW
If A Bank Says: The Payments Aren’t Showing
If you get a call from someone doing collections and they say that your debt review payments are not reflecting, please be careful.
Your debt review is a legal process done via the courts and with the help of audited NCR approved Payment Distribution Agents.
If someone says something like that then either they don’t have access to the right info or they are trying to trick you into paying money to them instead.
Get their name then hang up and then call your Debt Counsellor and report them.
CREDIT PROTECTION
CREDIT PROTECTION
Have you applied to go under debt review? Are you restructuring your monthly expenses? Would you like to insure your debt?
Why not insure all your outstanding accounts in a single ONE Credit Protection Policy?
Have you applied to go under debt review? Are you restructuring your monthly expenses? Would you like to insure your debt?
BENEFITS OFFERED:
• Death – we settle the account
Why not insure all your outstanding accounts in a single ONE Credit Protection Policy?
• Temporary Disability – we pay your installment for 12 months
• Permanent Disability – we settle the account
BENEFITS OFFERED:
• Critical Illness – we pay your installments for 3 months
• Death – we settle the account
• Retrenchment – we pay your installments for 12 months
• Temporary Disability – we pay your installment for 12 months
• Permanent Disability – we settle the account
At a rate of R2.95 per R1000 unsecured/short-term credit and R2.00 per R1000 on mortgages and you can now insure your debt for less.
• Critical Illness – we pay your installments for 3 months
• Retrenchment – we pay your installments for 12 months
The following financial obligations or debt can be covered on the ONE Credit Protection Policy:
• Credit Cards
• Overdrafts
At a rate of R2.95 per R1000 unsecured/short-term
and R2.00 per R1000 on mortgages and you can now insure your debt for less.
• Personal Loans
• Home Loans
• Retail Accounts
The following financial obligations or debt can be covered on the ONE Credit Protection Policy:
• Rental Agreement
• Credit Cards
• Maintenance Orders
• Overdrafts
• Personal Loans
For further information please speak to your Broker, Debt Counsellor or alternatively contact your regional ONE office.
• Home Loans
• Retail Accounts
• Rental Agreement
• Maintenance Orders
0861 266 562 admin.debt@one.za.com Terms and Conditions Apply
For further information please speak to your Broker, Debt Counsellor or alternatively contact your regional ONE office.
DESPERATE TO LEAVE DEBT REVIEW?
DESPERATE TO LEAVE DEBT REVIEW
PLEASE DON’T FALL FOR
SCAMMERS!
Scammers are trying to trick people into paying them to get out of debt review.
If you are currently in debt review and receive a call or message from someone promising that you can just leave debt review without paying off all your debt, please beware!!!
DESPERATE TO LEAVE DEBT REVIEW
IN DEBT REVIEW NOW?
If you are in debt review and struggling to make ends meet, or facing a sudden emergency, go talk to your Debt Counsellor straight away.
Meet with them to discuss your current challenge and look at each item in your budget and repayment plan. There are many options that can help and your Debt Counsellor wants to assist you.
Rather call them, and please stay away from scammers with false promises.
DESPERATE TO LEAVE DEBT REVIEW
IN DEBT REVIEW IN THE PAST?
If you used to be in debt review and still have a debt review “flag” showing at the credit bureaus, please don’t pay someone up front to remove the listing.
If they ask for money up front, you can be sure it is a scam, as NCR registered Debt Counsellors are not allowed to ask for funds up front to offer such services.
Normally, you have to pay up your current debts to have that status removed. Then you need a clearance certificate from a genuine Debt Counsellor. One that belongs to an association or who lists in Debtfree Magazine is best.
DESPERATE TO LEAVE DEBT REVIEW
PLEASE BE CAREFUL
Emergencies and financial stress from inflation can really squeeze your ability to cover your needs. You may think you can leave debt review to get more credit but unfortunately that’s really not true.
Alternatively, you may have a lingering debt review flag that scares credit providers away and prevents you from accessing new credit.
You may be feeling pretty desperate and looking for solutions.
In either case, it is best to talk to a NCR registered Debt Counsellor, preferably at their physical offices and see what your options are.
Remember, if someone asks for money up front, it’s probably a scam.
20 FUN THINGS TO DO WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
FUN WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
DON'T BE A BORE
All work and no play is bad for you.
Times are tough and your budget is probably feeling stretched but that does not mean you can’t have any fun.
Fun doesn’t have the break the bank, and just because you are focused on paying off your debts doesn’t mean life has to stop.
Try some of these tips to have a little budget friendly fun.
Plan a Home Spa Day
Pamper yourself with DIY facials, bubble baths, and relaxation.
Try Geocaching
Join the global treasure hunt using a free geocaching app.
Hit the Beach
Going to the beach is great for your mood and your tan. Build sandcastles with the kids for core memories.
Go for a Hike
South Africa is full of scenic trails—many are free to explore.
Explore Local Parks
Pack a snack and enjoy a walk, picnic, or game of frisbee.
Attend Community Events
Look out for free concerts, festivals, and cultural celebrations.
Visit a Museum on Free Days
Many museums offer free or discounted entry on specific days. Hit Google and find out.
Stargaze
Grab a blanket and enjoy the night sky—no telescope needed.
Model for a Day – DIY Photoshoot
Find cool spots around your area and snap some Insta-worthy pics.
Visit a Library
Remember libraries? Libraries still offer free access to books, movies, and even workshops.
Explore Street Markets
Wander through local markets to enjoy the vibe and window shop.
Enjoy a Braai at Home
Invite friends over and fire up the braai for a budget-friendly feast.
Try a New Sport
Play soccer in the park or try a new sport with friends. Paddle what now?
Go for a Scenic Drive
Explore new areas or nature reserves with a simple road trip.
Volunteer
Help out at a local shelter or community project—it’s free and rewarding.
Explore Historic Sites
Many historical landmarks are free or cost very little to visit.
Host a Game Night
Dust off your board games or play classic card games with friends.
Go Birdwatching
Grab a pair of binoculars and discover local wildlife. It’s not just for old people.
Have a Movie Marathon
Invite friends and stream free or favorite films and enjoy a cozy movie day.
Practice Your Photography
Try new styles and settings as you capture nature, classic street scenes, or your hood’s unique beauty.
DEBT MANAGEMENT AROUND THE WORLD
HEY CANADA AROUND THE WORLD
Over a hundred years ago in Canada if you had crippling debt, you could quickly end up in debtor’s jail. Fortunately, things have changed for the better, and the laws have been updated to be more consumer friendly.
When overwhelmed by debt in Canada these days, consumers have several options to regain financial control under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.
These include Credit Counselling, Consumer Proposals, and Bankruptcy.
• Credit Counselling involves working with a certified counsellor to create a debt management plan. This plan consolidates unsecured debts, like credit cards and personal loans, into
AROUND THE WORLD
a single monthly payment (It is like debt review lite).
• Consumer Proposals are legally binding agreements facilitated by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) that reduce the amount owed and extend the repayment period, typically up to five years. This is perhaps the most similar to debt review in South Africa, and is designed to help protect assets while paying off smaller unsecured debt.
• Bankruptcy is the most severe option, offering debt discharge but resulting in significant negative credit consequences including the loss of assets (In SA we use the term insolvency).
South Africa’s 2007 National Credit Act and the debt counselling provisions we use were in many ways, shaped by processes found in Canada. These processes were refined for SA and have since seen the inclusion of things like the NCR, taking matters to court, the NCT and the role of PDAs.
Credit Counselling: How It Works
When in need of financial counsel, Canadian consumers can go talk to local (or online) credit counsellors. Dealing with consumers remotely has become more popular since the pandemic.
Consumers in serious trouble can ask for credit counselling, which includes budget advice and negotiations with credit providers.
Serious debt normally results in a binding ‘consumer proposal’ that restructures their debt repayments - focusing on unsecured debt such as loans and credit cards (and even older student debt).
Secured debts like mortgages and car loans cannot be included in such a proposal directly, but are generally worked into the consumers monthly running costs in their budget plan. The idea is to keep those payments up to date.
There is no official cap on the value of debts in a credit counselling program, but an official ‘consumer proposal’ is limited to $250,000 (excluding any bond on their home).
In Canada, most credit counsellors work for not-for-profit organizations, meaning their services are low-cost or even free (there are a few for-profit agencies which charge upfront and monthly fees).
While it is not 100% obligatory, many qualified credit counsellors hold the Accredited Financial Counsellor Canada certification. Some also complete the Insolvency Counsellor’s Qualification Course (through CAIRP). Requirements vary depending on which counselling organisation is involved, but this is seen as best practice.
Note: In Canada there are many so called unregulated “debt advisor” services which are glorified lead providers to credit counsellors or insolvency practitioners. The industry regulator (OSB) is actively trying to steer people away from paying for such intermediatory services, since they are often superfluous or charge for things you can get for free.
How the Process Works
In credit counselling, after an assessment is done, a debt management plan is created. This forces the credit providers to stop all legal action and any debits. From then on, consumers make a single payment to the counselling agency, which distributes the funds to credit providers.
AROUND THE WORLD
In the more serious case of a ‘consumer proposal’, the Licensed Insolvency Trustee or LIT negotiates with creditors to reduce the total debt and establish a payment schedule aimed at paying debts over 60 months. It all depends what the consumer can realistically pay.
All credit providers get to weigh in on the plan, based on the $ value of what they were owed and if more than half (in Dollar value) are happy then everyone has to stick to the plan. In rare cases serious credit provider disputes can end up in court.
The arrangement is captured showing as R7 on consumer credit reports during the process (for 6 years from when it starts or for 3 years after the consumer proposal is done). Access to new credit is then, for the most part, effectively cut off during this time.
Making Payments & Getting Out of Debt
In Canada they do not currently have Payment Distribution Agents like in SA but the counselling organisations or LITs assist with payment distributions in most cases. This basically means each becomes a mini-PDA and carries all that scary risk.
In Canada, they also do not have a formal Form 17.3 process like here in South Africa but they do make allowances for some missed payments during the plan. But if a consumer misses three payments on a consumer proposal, it is automatically annulled under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. This means creditors can then add on missed fees and interest and resume collection efforts, including wage garnishments.
If, however, the consumer sticks to the plan and successfully keeps up payments over the 60 months, then any remaining debt that couldn’t fit in that time period is written off (unsecured debts only, remember). The consumer then gets a Certificate of Full Performance showing they have completed the process.
The consumer can then re-enter the credit market.
DEBT
REVIEW AND LEAD GENERATION
LEAD GENERATION
REDUCING RISK
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could spend all your time just helping consumers work on budgets and repayment plans instead of trying to find the next person to help?
Wouldn’t it be nice if you had a long line of overindebted consumers eager to use your debt counselling services? It would.
This is why many Debt Counsellors have turned to outside assistance to find good leads.
LEAD GENERATION
FINDING GOOD COMPLIANT PROVIDERS IS TOUGH
It can be hard to find someone who is both trustworthy, provides consistent quality and reasonable pricing.
And recently it seems harder than ever. Reportedly some of the really good lead providers have hit their capacity and simply can’t provide more leads or can’t take on more clients.
Others are now migrating away from the industry. This could be because of more lucrative opportunities in other industries or due to the rising cost of actually providing quality leads or policy restrictions or client dissatisfaction.
Many Debt Counsellors have noticed a drop in quality and a bump in price. So, if you’re struggling to secure high quality PoPI compliant debt review leads, you’re not alone.
CAN YOU DO IT YOURSELF
When a debt counselling practice is small, you normally try a few different things to get your first few clients. Fliers, going on a local radio or just posting to Facebook.
As your practice (and experience in helping consumers) grows you may be ready to take things to the next level but those previous strategies have to grow with your practice or change entirely.
At that point you may start to look at external lead providers…and you will probably have mixed results over time for all the reasons discussed above.
One solution to all those challenges is to build your own internal reliable internal lead generation processes and systems. Rather than being totally dependent on a supplier, who might dump you at a crucial time with little or no notice, it is probably a good idea to be able to generate and nurture your own leads.
We spoke to Dale Johnson at 1on1 Lead Gen again and asked him if this is actually a realistic idea. He said: “Yes, you should definitely not put all your eggs into one basket. While it's not a bad idea to have access to a good lead provider, it's an even better idea to generate your own. We have helped several Debt Counsellors do that”
SINGLE SOURCE RISK
In business you always want to try reduce your risk.
If you have been busy doing debt review and letting one supplier, bring you all your leads or are currently getting all your leads from one channel, then, simply put, you are at risk.
It’s the eggs in one basket scenario. What happens if the basket breaks?
This is why there is buzz around “omni channel” or “multi channel” processes. It gives you redundancy if your adverts get banned from a platform or if your usual advertising source doubles its price over night.
Having a single external supplier for anything is always risky.
It can be hard for you to control the quality of their leads, hard to control the pricing of the leads and even how the leads are sourced.
You need to ask yourself:
• Is the lead provider truly being ethical in how they get the leads?
• Are they being honest?
• Are they really sticking to PoPI requirements or could you later get into trouble?
The reality is, relying on third-party lead providers is also becoming riskier as potential clients grow less and less fond of being advertised to and dropped into identical sales funnels.
Social media platforms and government rules are getting tighter all the time, debt review related advertising costs are climbing and this is why supply seems to be drying up.
BUILD YOUR OWN LEAD GENERATION SYSTEM
Generating your own leads can be tricky at first and so it can be wise to engage the services of someone who knows what they are doing (like Dale and his team who can talk you through the transition).
Dale’s team provide leads but they also have some plug and play systems that can give you instant results without getting hit hard by the learning curve (for example, they have a cool WhatsApp bot that is so smart and helps figure out if consumers are right for the process).
And there will 100% be a learning curve in doing things yourself as you have to figure out the various rules on different platforms as to what you can and can’t say or show.
These also change over time, so it is not a static thing. Having one of your senior team keep an eye on this aspect of your practice is vital (if not yourself). Dale says: “You have to keep your finger on the pulse and stick to the rules that platforms like Meta or Google adjust from time to time, but if you do, you can get some very reliable results”.
REDUCE YOUR LEAD SOURCE RISKS
Even if you currently have one really nice source of leads or a really good service provider it never hurts to build in some redundancy and explore other lead sources.
Having all your eggs in one basket is very dangerous and leaves you exposed to sudden change.
By spreading your lead sources, you reduce your risk and this can help you weather the sudden loss of one lead channel.
PAYMENT DISTRIBUTION AGENCY
DC Partner PDA is operational for more than 15 years as a NCR registered payment distribution agency. Our exceptional customer service, together with our commitment to compliance ensures customer satisfaction.
DC Partner PDA is trusted by debt counsellors for secure and reliable debt review collections & distributions.
DEBT REVIEW
IF SOMEONE SAYS THEY ARE FROM YOUR DEBT COUNSELLOR’S OFFICE
If you get a call from someone who works at your Debt Counsellors office and they ask you to move your regular payments away from the NCR approved Payment Distribution Agent (Like DC Partner PDA, Hyphen PDA or iPDA) to a different bank account then please beware.
Even if they have all your info, this should not happen. Even if they offer you a smaller monthly repayment if you are prepared to change accounts. Don’t do it! Get their name and then hang up. Then call your Debt Counsellor’s office right away and ask to speak to the Debt Counsellor direct (not a staff member) and report this.
For
CAPITAL DATA NAMED AS NEW OUTSOURCING PARTNER FOR CAPFIN DEBT REVIEW SERVICES
Sandton, South Africa – 3 March 2025:
Capital Data, a division of Nutun Business Services South Africa, will be taking over the Outsourcing of all New Debt Review Inflows and Terminated Debt Review matters, on behalf of Capfin, as of the 2 April 2025.
Nutun will manage the end-to-end Debt Review process on All Debt Review Inflows as of 2nd April 2025, while Consumer Friend will retain and manage the Debt Review process on All accounts under debt review up until 2nd April 2025.
This change reflects our dedication to delivering exceptional services and ensuring the effective management of debt review matters. Nutun’s specialized team will take charge of all related activities moving forward.
Key Highlights:
• Effective Date: 2 April 2025.
• New Responsibilities: Capital Data will manage all new debt review applications for Capfin.
• Legacy Accounts: Historical/legacy accounts (pre2 April 2025) will remain with Consumer Friend until further notice.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact:
Brigitte Ockhuys
Email: Brigittet@capitaldata.co.za
Telephone: +27 11 560 6440
Mobile: +27 60 346 7615
Additional correspondence, including forms and queries, may be directed to:
Email: capitaldata@nutun.com
Phone: +27 11 560-6000
Capital Data looks forward to fostering a successful collaboration with Capfin and to contributing to an enhanced debt review process that meets the needs of all stakeholders.
BREAKING NEWS
1 LESS PDA
For some time, there have been 4 NCR registered Payment Distribution Agents (PDAs) in South Africa. Introduced by the National Credit Act they handle the money side of debt review for consumers in the process who want to streamline payments (but is obligatory for payments to Debt Counsellors).
Recently, the newest and smallest of the 4, called CollectNet PDA ran into trouble with the National Credit Regulator and this has ultimately resulted in them being shut down.
Few consumers’ matters will be affected in any way and no money has been lost or anything like that. The whole thing has more to do with regulatory obligations etc.
This just goes to show how closely the NCR keep an eye on people’s money and how high a standard is set for handling funds for those in debt review.
It also highlights how difficult it is for PDAs to manage to run efficiently and effectively with the reduced fees they are now allowed. Such fees don’t even have an annual escalation to offset inflation. It is clear that with limited funds, levels of service will inevitably eventually drop. Hopefully we will see a full review of these fees in the near future.
CONSUMER FRIEND RECOGNISED AT RCS
ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
Consumer Friend manage the entire Debt Review Portfolio on behalf of RCS. At a recent Gala Ceremony held in Stellenbosch, Consumer Friend were awarded the coveted title of “EDC of The Year – Specialized Panel” for the second consecutive year.
Well done to Consumer Friend.
NO CHANGE TO REPO RATES
After some deliberation, the SA Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee decided in March 2025 to be cautious and not make any more rate cuts.
They felt that caution was prudent given the chaos currently being caused by the SA relationship with the US collapsing and the growing US tariff trade wars rolling out worldwide. As a result, the Repo Rate remains 7.5% with Prime at 11%.
Credit Life Insurance
Financial Gains, Client Savings: Collaborate for Success
What We Do
We specialize in providing Credit Life Insurance, Income Protection, and Funeral Cover services to debt counsellors, empowering them and their clients to have more. By referring their clients to us, we not only offer the highest referral fee in the industry, but also provide annuity streams to support their financial growth.
Why Partner With Us?
•Additional Revenue Streams
•Annuity Income
•Retention of Clients
•We take care of Administration
•Compliance Guaranteed
For Debt Counsellors
•A lucrative recurring monthly revenue stream
•Better chance of clients qualifying for debt review
•Little time and no effort – we do the work for you
•User friendly and efficient system
•Enhanced Service Offering
•No Medicals Required
•Continuous Training Provided
•DC Front-End System Integration
For Debt Counselling Clients
•Pay a lower premium for the same benefits – can save your clients thousands of Rands
•Convenience – a single policy covers all your clients’ credit agreements
•Claiming process easy and effortless and facilitated by DCCP
•New loans can be included under this policy
BUDGET SPEECH UNCERTAINTY
Following an unprecedented delay Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana gave the annual government budget speech on 12th March 2025. This speech outlines how government plans to earn and spend funds.
During the speech he set out plans to bring in more money for government through extra taxes including a controversial VAT increase (0.5% this year and 0.5% next year = 1% increase). Other plans involve not adjusting tax brackets to allow for inflation and thus hopefully scoop up some extra income if people get increases.
Many people were surprised that there was not more talk of cutting spending in the face of the government's crushing debt obligations. Politically though cutting spending is seldom popular (just look across the pond to the US to see how that is going there) and can often only be accomplished when there is simply nor more room for borrowing or when a popular leader or party is in total control.
The confusion over the budget comes in with not all parties agreeing to the proposed plans which now have to be discussed and approved by parliament. Which means the plans may or may not actually come about and things may have to go back to the drawing board (if all the behind the scenes wheeler dealing doesn’t make everyone happy enough to vote to agree).
DEBT REVIEW AWARDS IMPROVEMENTS
The Debt Review Awards will be held on the 24th of October 2025 and live streamed from KZN via YouTube. All who wish will be able to log on and enjoy all the action.
At present, the organisers are working with PDASA to try and find additional data driven inputs to help identify top candidates (in addition to CP input as usual). It is hoped that over this year and next this statistical data can help drive around 75% of all candidate nominations.
These possible improvements will be shared with DCASA, AllProDC, and NDCA for comments and feedback.
Visit www.debtreviewawards.co.za or follow on YouTube here: https://tinyurl.com/DRA2025
When Debt Counseling Feels
Like a Battle You Can’t Win
Ever feel like you’re juggling a hundred tasks at once, with the clock ticking faster than you can manage? Some days, debt counseling feels less like financial rehabilitation and more like fighting a neverending uphill battle.
When challenges arise, know that your dedication is making a LASTING DIFFERENCE. There will be moments of frustration, difficult conversations, and days when the impact may not feel immediate. But your work is shaping futures, and that’s something worth fighting for.
Before you start daydreaming about an easier career (like lion taming or defusing bombs), here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it all alone. The right tools can help you work smarter—not just harder.
We're here to support you with the tools to improve your efficiency and drive greater results. Did you know that our system provides you with a comprehensive Admin Portal?
Here’s how it can benefit you:
• Access reports to gain deeper insights and stay ahead of your caseload
• Resolve payment exceptions efficiently to keep payments on track and reduce delays
Your time is valuable, let our platform help you focus on what matters most: helping consumers on their journey to financial freedom.
We’re constantly innovating to support your success. If you haven’t explored the Admin Portal yet, now is the time!
Contact your Relationship Manager today!
Ansie Greeff or Maria Corney
Please visit the members Facebook group for latest industry info.
Debtfree DC Workshops Weekly on Thursdays 3:00 – 3:30pm
facebook.com/groups/allprodc NOTICE
www.allprodc.org
Thank you for noticing this new notice. Your noticing it has been noted.
Finwise is an all-inclusive Software System, designed for debt counsellors for professional and efficient Debt Management.
Finwise is a cloud-based system, and can be used on any mobile device, PC, or tablet with internet connectivity. The exceptional workflow and innovative task manager tools saves the user valuable time, through multiple consumer data reporting and easy management. Several integrations such as Legasys, iDOCS, Drex, facilitate effortless administering, and handling of multiple transactions and tasks within one system.
STEP-BY-STEP DREX GUIDE
DREX simplifies the exchange of data and makes managing the debt review process less admin intensive.
The below links take you to step-by-step guides on how to use the DC Portal on DREX.
How to Register on the DC Portal
Introduction to the DC Portal
Accessing a Consumer's Profile
JOB OPPORTUNITYGOODWOOD, CAPE TOWN
We are looking for an energetic and customer centric Debt Review Proposal Administrator to join our vibrant admin team.
The criteria for the role includes:
• Minimum 1 year plus experience in a debt review proposal environment is essential
• Good communication skills and engaging telephonic manner.
• Fluent in English plus any other official language/s
• Excellent work ethic
The main job outputs includes, but is not limited to:
• Attending to revised and counter proposals and any adjustment requests thereof.
• Adjustments made to the budget / Budget queries.
• Amendment of cascades – paid up and cascading accounts
• Reallocation of accounts
• Including and excluding of accounts
• Balance updates
• Understanding the time sensitive nature of all the steps in the debt review admin process, and complying with same
• General admin duties applicable to the role
On offer is a market related salary and the opportunity to be part of a winning team making a difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans every day.
If you meet the requirements, please submit a detailed CV, your minimum salary expectation and availability to start, to: admin4@dcexperts.co.za
DEBT COUNSELLORS
NORTHERN CAPE
NORTH WEST
WESTERN CAPE
GAUTENG
LIMPOPO
FREE STATE
KWAZULU-NATAL
EASTERN CAPE
MPUMALANGA
www.debtbusters.co.za
info@debtbusters.co.za
NCRDC533
14th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292
info@creditmatters.co.za
NCRDC1142
Tel: 087 701 9665
Email: help@zerodebt.co.za
www.zerodebt.co.za
South Africa’s Leading Debt Counsellors
NCRDC533
14th Floor, The Pinnacle
Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292
info@creditmatters.co.za
www.debtbusters.co.za
www.zerodebt.co.za
www.debtbusters.co.za
info@debtbusters.co.za
Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za
www.zerodebt.co.za
www.debtbusters.co.za
info@debtbusters.co.za
www.zerodebt.co.za
www.debtbusters.co.za
info@debtbusters.co.za
South Africa’s Leading Debt Counsellors NCRDC533
14th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town Tel: 086 111 6197
Fax: 021 425 6292 info@creditmatters.co.za
068 279 5951 info@debteezy.co.za www.debteezy.co.za
LEGAL
Liddles & Associates
“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” - Tony Robbins
(T) +27 87 138 3275 (E) quintin@liddlesinc.com
www.liddlesinc.com
Steyn Coetzee Attorneys / Prokureurs
Adri de Bruyn 11 Market Street / Markstraat 11, Paarl, 7646
Tel: 021 872 1968
Fax: 021 872 2678 adri@steyncoetzee.co.za
RM Brown and Associates 16th Floor, The Pinnacle Cnr Strand & Burg St Cape Town
Tel: 021 202 1111, f: 021 425 0875
Email: roger@rmbrown.co.za
Effective Intelligence sardagh@e-intelligence.com
Fides Cloud Technologies craig@fidescloud.co.za
Finch Technologies chris@finchinvestments.co.za
I-Bureau Services abrie@ibureau.services
IDR South Africa shane@v-report.co.za
iFacts sonya@ifacts.co.za
Inoxico support@inoxico.com
Kudough Credit Solutions chrisjvr@kudough.co.za
Lexisnexis Risk Management kim.bastick@lexisnexis.co.za
Lightstone chrisb@lightstone.co.za
Loyal1 tshepiso@loyal1.co.za
Managed Integrity Evaluation
marelizeu@mie.co.za
Maris IT Development marius@marisit.co.za
National Validation Services info@nvs-sa.co.za
Octagon Business Solutions gregb@octogon.co.za
Omnisol Information Technology info@verifyid.co.za
Payprop Capital johette.smuts@payprop.co.za
PBSA seanb@PBSA.CO.ZA
Right Cover Online cto@rightcover.co.za
Searchworks 360 skumandan@searchworks360. co.za
Smart Information Bureau info@smartbureau.net
ThisisMe juan@thisisme.com
TPN Group michelle@tpn.co.za
Trans Africa Credit Bureau
clintonc@transafricacb.co.za
Transaction Capital Credit Health
DavidD1@tcriskservices.co.za
VeriCred Credit Bureau sumein@vccb.co.za
WeconnectU
johann@weconnectu.co.za
Zoia Consulting sipho@dots.africa
C O N T A C T D E T A I L S DEBT REVIEW NIMBLE GROUP
Dear Debt Counsellors,
RE: NIMBLE DEBT REVIEW CONTACT INFORMATION, ESCALATION PROCESS AND BANKING DETAILS.
Email & Task Type
Forms 17.1 and 17.7
This letter serves to communicate to the Credit industry to use the following contact details for Nimble when processing Debt Review related applications, enquiries, queries and complaints escalation process.
Kindly take note, Nimble hereby consents to service all legal documents applicable to Debt Review herein by way of email.
Contact Details
drcob@nimblegroup.co.za
Forms 17.2, Proposal Summaries, Cascade plans & Court orders drproposal@nimblegroup.co.za
Forms 17.2 Rejection, 17.W & Form 19 drtermination@nimblegroup.co.za
Forms 17.3, General queries, settlements, balance, refunds, statements, Paid up letter request & reckless lending allegations, payment allocation queries & Complaints drqueries@nimblegroup.co.za
DEBT REVIEW DEPARTMENT CONTACT NUMBERS:
JHB Office: +27 87 250 5533
CPT Office: +27 21 830 0711
CUSTOMER CARE DEPARTMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
CPT Office: +27 87 286 0223
Info@nimblegroup.co.za
DEBT REVIEW ENQUIRIES ESCALATION MANAGEMENT ORDER CONTACT DETAILS
Kindly note that escalations must only be done once you have sent your request to the above-mentioned contact email addresses and if your requests are out of SLA in lieu Debt Review forms response business days stipulated in the NCR Act.
1ST Line escalation
Aletta Molelekeng
Team Manager: Process Recoveries
D: +27 87 283 3210
E: AlettaM@nimblegroup.co.za
2ND Line escalation
Sharonne Dirk
Ops Manager: Customer Care & Process Recoveries
D: +27 21 830 0713
E: SharonneD@nimblegroup.co.za
3RD Line escalation
Zivia Koff
Ops Executive: Customer Care & Process Recoveries
D: +27 21 492 4554
E: ZiviaK@nimblegroup.co.za
It is of utmost importance that debt review documentation is sent to the correct email address to ensure timeous feedback and action.
CAPITEC BANK CONTACT DETAILS
Further to the above, please ensure that only the channel email address applicable to the documents being submitted is used. Sending emails to multiple email addresses will result in a delay or even no feedback or action.
CAPITEC BANK ESCALATION CHANNELS
1 Jolene Pieters Team Leader: Debt Review (Court Orders/Forms/Inclusions) JolenePieters@capitecbank.co.za 2 Cindy Mauritz Manager: Debt Review CindyMauritz@capitecbank.co.za
3 Carolina Visser Manager: Process Recoveries CarolinaVisser@capitecbank.co.za Proposals
1 Meghan Bruiners Team Leader: (Proposals) MeghanBruiners@capitecbank.co.za
2 Cindy Mauritz Manager: Debt Review CindyMauritz@capitecbank.co.za
3 Carolina Visser Manager: Process Recoveries CarolinaVisser@capitecbank.co.za General Enquiries, Refund/cancellation requests , Termination queries, Updated COB’s, Payment queries
1 Nathan Slaverse Team Leader: Enquires Nathanslaverse@capitecbank.co.za 2 Carolina Visser Manager: Process Recoveries CarolinaVisser@capitecbank.co.za
1 Mfundo Xaba Officer: Market Conduct Oversight MfundoXaba@capitecbank.co.za
2 Dries Olivier Manager: Market Conduct and Oversight DriesOlivier@capitecbank.co.za
Reckless Lending Queries
1 Whitney Jardine Team Leader: Recoveries Risk Support WhitneyJardine@capitecbank.co.za
2 Zayaan Jurgens Manager: Recoveries Risk Support ZayaanJurgens@capitecbank.co.za
Credit insurance claims
1 Grant Griffith Jessica Rademeyer Kanyisa Mbiza Team Leader: Insurance Claims GrantGriffiths@capitecbank.co.za JessicaRademeyer@capitecbank.co.za KanyisaMbiza@capitecbank.co.za
2 Brigitte October Performance ManagerInsurance Claims BrigitteOctober@capitecbank.co.za
Telephonic queries lodged
1 Laetitia Pretorius Team Leader: CCS Queries LaetitiaPretorius@capitecbank.co.za
2 Tracey Govender Manager: Recoveries Administration TraceyGovender@capitecbank.co.za
Sincerely,
17.1, 17.2, Proposals, General correspondence: debtcounselling@africanbank.co.za
To register for Legal Web Access: lwac@africanbank.co.za
Reckless Lending investigations: RLA@africanbank.co.za
DETAILS COMING SOON For more
ESCALATION PROCESS
erminations@absa.co.za
ebtreviewqueries@absa.co.za
DC QUERY PROCESS
NEDBANK DRRS
Debt Counselling Query Resolution Contact Points and Escalation Process
Email submissions (Level1)
Email: DebtCounsellingQueries@nedbank.co.za
To be used as a first point of contact for all written communication
Call centre (Level 1: Alternative) Tel: 0860 109 279
To be used as a first point of contact for all telephonic communication
Attended to by Queries Specialist (Level 2: First Escalation) dcescalation1@nedbank.co.za
To be used only where no resolution is found from first point of contact after 5 business days
Attended to by Team Leader and Queries Specialist (Level 3: Second Escalation) dcescalation2@nedbank.co.za
To be used only where no resolution is found from the first escalation after 5 Business days
Attended to by Support and Escalation Manager (Level 4: Final escalation) nbdcescalations@nedbank.co.za
To be used only where no resolution is found from the second escalation after 5 Business days
proposals@consumerfriend.co.za