During early March 2009 I was called by a Cell C sales rep and offered a contract which sounded very lucrative. I accepted the offer and the handset was delivered to me promptly. It became apparent that I was misled by the sales rep and that the contract was not at all what was offered. THE NIGHTMARE BEGAN!!! I made numerous phone calls and ran into walls everywhere I tried to speak to somebody with the slightest inkling of what was going on. After an eternity of speaking to different people and nagging them to listen to the recorded conversations of the initial “sale” it was agreed that I was misled. Instead of cancelling the “agreement” I was offered R1000 to accept it!!! I refused and insisted that there was no agreement and that the handset must be collected from me. They eventually conceded. A week after the initial delivery it was collected by the same courier company (20 March 2009). I thought that was that.

NOT TO BE!!! A few months later I started receiving phone calls from Cell C insisting that my account with them was in arrears. Every time (at least 5) I explained the whole situation to the person who called and every time I was promised that the matter would be investigated and resolved. After a few months the calls stopped and I thought this was the end.

WRONG AGAIN!!! The next flurry of calls related to allegations that the handset was not returned to Cell C and that I had to return it. This led me to believe that somebody finally realised that the “contract” was cancelled. The problem was, the handset was not with me anymore. This was also explained to every person who called me and again I was promised that the matter will be resolved. Again, I thought now, surely, it must be over.

GUESS WHAT? WRONG!!! Next thing…… This was, almost to the day, a year after the “deal” was cancelled! I received a call from a person claiming to be a lawyer (with a KZN tel no) who says that she had instruction from Cell C to collect R 1574 from me being the outstanding balance on my account with them. We had a few conversations and she promised to take the matter up with her client (Cell C). I never heard from her again. This brought me under the false impression that the matter has been resolved. I should have realised my own naivety.

IT WAS FAR FROM OVER!!! In November 2010 I applied for a home loan and after all the initial hurdles were overcome I was informed by my bank that they could not lend me money as I was BLACKLISTED. Upon investigation it transpired that this related to the R1574 I allegedly owe to Cell C. I started the process of trying AGAIN to resolved the matter. Now, anyone who ever tried to get hold of person in this vast organisation with the slightest idea of what’s potting will understand. I took a WHOLE DAY at work surfing the internet sending e-mails, consulting my lawyer and making (mostly) unanswered phone calls to Cell C’s many tentacles, legal departments and “pre legal” (yes, that is correct) department. HA HA HA, no joy! No answer on any e-mail or complaint lodged. I am talking about at least two hours actually on the phone and at least 12 different phone numbers and call centres. Twice, I found people who really tried to help but could not…. They are gems who do not deserve to work for a bunch of incompetents. RUN! To this day I have no idea who to speak to and what to do to get my blacklisting overturned. Even if I should decide to pay what they say I owe them I doubt (for good reason) that this will resolve the matter! PLEASE NOTE: I never received any statement or letter or notice either by fax e-mail or post before I was blacklisted. I am sure this is illegal and intend to take steps in this regard. In the meantime I cannot get any form of credit and the prospect of a home loan is lost. Oh yes, the number allocated to my “account” with Cell C has been given to another person whose name was actually given to me by one of the helpful persons!!! (No, he does not return my calls).

HELP!!!

My Cell phone account was bound for receiving incoming calls without been informed. I did not pay for 2months but its was due to a reason beyond me and i wonder if they are authorised to do this.

I am very disappointed in the way Cell C has handled me. My phone was stolen last year November. I contacted Cell C to advice them that I need to cancel my contract. I spoke to Nomathlube at Cell C. She said that I can not cancel the contract as I still need to pay the subscription fees until the 24 months is up.

It is now seven months since my contract expired and Cell C is still deducting subscription money off my account. I called Cell C today and queried why, I have spoken to Luchien and Robert and no one can help me they say it’s simply my problem and Cell C won’t refund my money. I have been transferred from pillar to post and eventually the phone got cut off – again!!!

Plus, I have advised Cell C that my phone has been stolen and for two months after, they still deducted money off my account for usage???? My phone is stolen and my Sim is not working, how the hell am I using airtime? I have notified Cell C then and my money has been returned bur now Cell C is taking more of my money from my bank and refuse to refund me.

THE Y MAKE DECTIONS BEFORE TIME WHEN MONTH END ON SUNDAY

Three days ago I sent a message to Customer Services via eMail and still I have gotten no reply - not even an automated message stating how long it will take for them to reply.

I migrated to another contract but my billing remains the same - something is wrong and it really makes me wonder how reliable Cell C is overall... making mistakes with money is not a sign; neither is not responding to a contract subscriber!