Consumer services

Banking, loans, credit, debt

Do you have a complaint about your bank? Are you being ripped off by a loan shark, or threatened by a debt recovery agent? Protect yourself from unfair practices, get to know your rights, find out if your lender is registered, or check up on your credit rating.

Ombudsman for Banking Services
Got an unresolved dispute with your bank? A complaint about a banking service or product? The Ombudsman for Banking Services provides an independent, free, informal, confidential dispute resolution service.

You must, however, first complain to the bank concerned - the Ombudsman will want your complaint reference number, as well as copies of correspondence between you and your bank.

Micro Finance Regulatory Council
Are you being exploited by a loan shark? The Micro Finance Regulatory Council is a private non-profit body appointed by government to regulate the micro-lending industry and protect the interests of consumers.

The Council website offers a wealth of services, advice and information. Find out what your rights are, protect yourself from unfair practices, check to see if your lender is registered with the Council, search for registered lenders in your area, lodge a complaint if you've been dealt with unfairly or illegally.

Credit problems
You can check your credit rating - for a small fee - or get advice on credit problems from either of two major credit bureaux: Credit Information Ombud
If the major credit bureaux (see above) are unable to resolve your credit problem, your next line of recourse is the office of the Credit Information Ombud. A voluntary, independent association reporting to an industry council, the Credit Information Ombud seeks to resolve complaints from consumers and businesses that are negatively affected by credit information. Association of Debt Recovery Agents
A self-regulatory body which will investigate complaints against its members.

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Did you know
If you're being charged interest of more than 23% per annum on a loan of less than R10 000, or more than 20% per annum on a loan of more than R10 000, your money lender is breaking the law. Your lender also cannot keep your bank card, PIN number or ID book.

Consumer help A-Z
Are you getting shoddy service? Is the product you bought faulty? Do you have a complaint against a company, government department, television programme, dentist, bank, estate agent? Are you unsure of your rights as a consumer? Here's a quick guide to organisations that offer you advice, assistance and protection - arranged by subject in alphabetical order:

Advertising & the media
Banking, loans, credit, debt
Building, housing, contractors
Competition
Consumer offices & organisations
Electricity
Estate agents & property transactions
Insurance & pensions
Lawyers
Mail order, direct marketing & selling
Medical aid & health
Motor vehicles
Post
Tax
Telephones, cellphones
Travel & tourism

Other products & services
Got a problem with a product or service not listed in the A-Z above? Auctions, electrical appliances, franchises, furniture, kitchens, cupboards, timeshare, weights and measures? And more.