Paying Broker Fees to a Ghost

<p>I took out an Absa AIMS fund several years ago with a Broker Hannelie Hattingh CFP. For starters, it has taken more than four years to replace the 10% initial broker fees that she took from me when I deposited a lump sum into the AIMS fund.</p> <p>To file my 2015/16 SARS, I wrote to her to ask for an updated statement only to find out that Ms Hattingh had resigned from Absa ages ago, which effectively means that I have been paying brokerage fees for a year - to her, and Absa, FOR ABSA-LUTELY NOTHING! </p> <p>I have written to Absa Centurion Lifestyle Centre asking for paperwork to close this fund, and my investment money back. With no response. I have received a call from the Lyttleton branch who promised to send transfer papers for a new broker - which never came. In more than a week nothing has happened. I've even lodged a complaint on Absa's website dedicated to the AIMS fund, with no response.</p> <p>This weekend I went to my closest branch (Jakaranda) where I was advised to go to the Ben Swart branch. On arriving there I was told NO ONE could help me.</p> <p>The sum total of this is: My broker has resigned without the decency of telling me. I've lost money to her. My current investment is stuck with Absa who is unwilling to give it back to me.</p> <p>To anyone wishing to "Prosper", please find another FSP who really cares about your financial well-being and look for a broker who actually talks to you regularly - whether you're someone just starting out with an investment or a really big player. It shouldn't matter. This is the worst service I've ever experienced...</p> <p>#DontInvestWithAbsa</p>