Consumer help: 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.
National Credit Regulator
The National Credit Regulator is responsible for the regulation of the South African Credit Industry. It is is tasked with carrying out education, research, policy development, registration of industry participants, investigation of complaints, and ensuring enforcement of the National Credit Act.
The Act requires the Regulator to promote the development of an accessible credit market, particularly to address the needs of historically disadvantaged persons, low income persons, and remote, isolated or low density communities.
The NCR is also tasked with the registration of credit providers, credit bureaux and debt counsellors; and enforcement of compliance with the Act.
In addition, any matters related to finance charges must be lodged with the NCR.
Any matters relating to administration orders/court orders should be lodged with either any university law clinic, or the
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.
- Call centre: 0861 OMBUDS (0861 66 28 37)
- Website
Association of Debt Recovery Agents
A self-regulatory body which will investigate complaints against its members.
SAinfo reporter
South Africans – getting shoddy service? Bought a faulty product? Want to complain about a company, government department, dentist, bank, estate agent? Unsure of your rights as a consumer? Help is at hand:
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