Worst Service and Assistance

I took out an ABSA personal loan end of July 2023 with a 60 months payback time. On the 3rd October 2023 (2 months later), I received an email from Norton Lambrianos Attorneys, which read as follows: ABSA BANK LOANS Loan Norton Lambrianos Attorneys - *** ABSA LOAN ACC. You are one of a few chosen customers who qualify for up to 60% discount to settle your ABSA Loan account. Take this advantage and use this to change your credit life. Call our offices to confirm the settlement. T: *** / E: *** WhatsApp: *** Or reply to this SMS and we will have one of our skilled consultants to call you. Legal Department File Number: AP145551 Norton Lambrianos Attorneys

On the 12th October 2023, again I received an email from Norton Lambrianos Attorneys: ABSA BANK LOANS Card Please be advised your outstanding account has been handed over to Norton Lambrianos Attorneys for legal collection. We are in the process of updating your file and would like to put your account in a monthly fixed arrangement. Please complete the following information and email back to our offices at ***: 1. Date on which monthly payments will be made: 2. Amount that will be paid: 3. Contact number: 4. Preferred email address if different to this email address used: Kindly contact our offices via email on *** / call *** or via WHATSAPP ON *** to provide the necessary repayment arrangement details. Should your last payment be payment made in full and final settlement of your account, kindly ignore this email. Legal Department File Number: AP145551 Norton Lambrianos Attorneys

2 months after I have taken out the personal loan, ABSA handed me over to the attorneys for legal collection. I have not received any communication from ABSA in regards to this and I did not want to pay any money to the said attorneys as it might be a **** and according to my contract with ABSA I have 60 months to pay back the loan.

Again on the 19th October 2023, I received another email from Norton Lambrianos Attorneys: BLACK FRIDAY SETTLEMENT BONAZA!! ON YOUR ABSA LOAN *** ABSA LOAN ACCOUNT / MEV ISABELLA ERMEL File Number: AP145551 We refer to the above matter and have the pleasure to advise that our client is prepared to offer you a BLACK FRIDAY DISCOUNT. Consumer behaviour is constantly changing, and we understand that managing debt can sometimes be a challenge. With a potential interest rate hike on the horizon, we wanted to emphasize the importance of paying off your outstanding debt as soon as possible. Here's why it matters: 1. Save Money: With higher interest rates, the cost of carrying debt will increase. Paying off your debt now means you'll save money in the long run. 2. Secure Your Financial Future: Reducing debt not only lowers your financial stress but also improves your credit score, enabling you to access better financial opportunities in the future. 3. Settlement Discounts: We are currently offering settlement discounts that can significantly reduce your outstanding balance. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can pay off your debt more affordably. 4. Peace of Mind: A debt-free life means more peace of mind and greater financial freedom. It's a step towards financial well-being. Remember, your financial health is important to us. Act today to benefit from the settlement discounts and secure your financial future. THE BENEFIT OF SETTLING YOUR ACCOUNT: 1. The amount can be paid in three equal monthly instalments, the first payment to be made by no later than 31 JANUARY 2024. 2. During these three months no additional legal fees, interest or bank finance charges will be added. 3. Once you have settled the account, we will provide you with a settlement letter confirming that your account is settled and that no further monies are due on this account. PLEASE NOTE: 1. Should any one payment not be made on or before the due date, the full balance, costs and interest will become due and payable. 2. Payment can be made at your nearest branch / Pay Points or via EFT by depositing the amount into your loan account number % [Claims.AccountNumber]. Please quote your Identity number as a deposit reference. 3. Kindly note that it is IMPORTANT that you CONTACT OR EMAIL us with acceptance of the offer on or before 30 OCTOBER 2023. Should you require any additional information, or wish to discuss, contact on ***. You can also email us on *** or WhatsApp ***. Yours faithfully, Diane Boys Norton Lambrianos Attorneys Legal Department Tel: *** Fax: *** Email: *** File Number: AP145551

On the 3rd November 2023, I wrote an email to ABSA (***), stating the following: Kindly note the email below received from Norton Lambrianos Attorneys. I do not understand why my personal loan account was handed over to them. Please explain what is going on with this.

On the 8th November 2023, I received this email from ABSA: Thank you for your email. Please accept our apology on the delay in response. Due to mandate and system restrictions we are unable to assist via email request. Kindly be advised you may contact our Personal Loan Division directly on ***for assistance in this regard. If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to email us on *** or contact us on ***or +***0. Kind regards Kesentseng Molane Consultant: Email Services Absa Contact Centre www.absa.co.za

On the 8th November 2023, I also received another email from Norton Lambrianos Attorneys: Product: ABSA Loan Account Reminder to not miss this opportunity: Settle your account and be debt free. You are exclusively eligible for an 60% discount, which is ONLY available for November 2023 and the discount amount can be paid in a single lump sum or 3 consecutive months starting from November 2023,December and last payment to be made in January 2024 no later than last day of the month. If you opt to take the discount settlement offer, please note that the payment must be made before or by the 30th of November 2023. The above discount settlement offer is ONLY valid if you confirm with our office first before or by the 28th of November. Let’s make it convenient for your and save you time by arranging a debit order and we will monitor your payments. Kindly contact our office to confirm your suitable arrangement and payment date so we can update our records accordingly. 1. Contact us on *** 2. Whatsapp *** 3. Email: *** Looking forward to seeing you settle your account and gaining financial freedom. Yours faithfully, Norton Lambrianos Attorneys Legal Department File Number: AP145551

I called ABSA on the phone number they provided in their email and I was put through to the legal department. I spoke to a consultant and explained the situation. She said it might be an error on the system, a faulty journal entry. They will look into this, fix the error and will be in contact with me. She said she will also make notes on my profile in regards to this.

I have received no feedback from from ABSA and the error was still not corrected.

On the 21st November 2023, I again received an email from Norton Lambrianos Attorneys: Dear Sir/Madam 3-2-1, go! The countdown to Black Friday 60% discount has begun! Grab great festive settlement offer on your Absa Loan account. We want to assist before it is too late! Discount amount payable over 3 months is R7360.21 only valid if confirmed with our office. If you opt to take the discount settlement offer, please note that the payment must be made before or by the 30th of November 2023. The above discount settlement offer is ONLY valid if you confirm. T: *** e: *** WhatsApp: ***. *** Yours faithfully, Norton Lambrianos Attorneys Legal Department File Number: AP147205

Again I phoned ABSA legal department and spoke to Thandiwe. I had to explain everything again – aparantly no notes where made on my profile as I had to explain everything again. She said they will fix the error and let me know – she will speak to her manager as she could see where the problem is.

Needless to say I have not received any feedback from ABSA until this day. All of a sudden on the 27th December 2023, I received an email from a different attorney, called Anthony Richards and Associates: Your ABSA Personal loan account has been handed over to Anthony Richards and Associates due to the Current Arrear status. Anthony Richards and Associates is a registered debt collections company and we act on behalf of our client ABSA. Please refer to the loan account details below •Current Balance: R ***x •Current Arrears Balance: R ***x •Minimum Amount Required: R ***x We understand that your circumstances are unique, this is why they would like to offer you the opportunity to contact us to setup a payment plan. Making and keeping a repayment arrangement will be highly beneficial to your credit profile. Contact us via WhatsApp on ***, email *** or call on *** for arrangements and payment options. Please use the following banking details when making payment: •Bank: Absa Bank •Bank Account Number: *** •Branch Code: 632005 •Kindly use your loan account reference as payment reference If you have already made the required payment on the account, please accept our thanks. Anthony, Richards & Associates

On the 4th January 2024, I received another email from Anthony, Richards & Associates: 1. We act on behalf of our client, ABSA Bank as there is an unpaid amount of R***xx outstanding on your ABSA PERSONAL LOAN ACCOUNT. 2. The outstanding amount may include permitted default charges and our reasonable costs to enforce the agreement up to the date of your payment. Further interest will also be charged at the rate as mentioned above on the total balance outstanding until date of final payment. 3. In terms of Section 129 read together with Section 130 of the National Credit Act No. 34 of 2005, we advise that you have not met your obligations in respect of the above Agreement. 4. On receipt of this notice, you may refer the matter to: • Our offices at *** • A debt counsellor • An alternative dispute resolution agent • The consumer court • The Ombudsman for Banking Services to resolve any dispute or to develop a plan that is acceptable to both you and us, to bring your payments up to date. 5. Should you not respond to this notice within 10(ten) business days from the date of it being delivered to you or sent to you by registered mail, we may approach a court to enforce the above Agreement 6. Should no acceptable arrangements be made to bring the account up to date or should you not respond to this notice in terms of the above, our client may file the adverse details of your default with the credit bureaus within 20 (twenty) business days of this notice. We trust the above action will not be necessary and look forward to receiving your response. Anthony, Richards & Associates NOTICE OF DEFAULT Section 129

On the 5th January 2024, I received another 2x emails from Anthony, Richards & Associates: Mev ***x this is your LAST CHANCE to take up the 60% settlement discount which is expiring soon! A LEGAL SUMMONS has been initiated against you as your ABSA personal loan balance is R***xx. Pay only R***xx to be free of this debt once and for all. Call *** or email *** ref ***9 T's and C's apply Regards Theresa

We have been informed that you have failed to comply with your legal obligations in respect of your ABSA Personal loan Account. Anthony Richards and Associates has been duly authorized by our client, Absa to afford you the opportunity to settle your Personal loan once and for all. SETTLEMENT OFFER: Current Outstanding Balance: R ***x Settlement Offer: R ***xx Offer is valid until: 15/01/2024 T&C’ s apply Payment options include: •Making payment via Easy Pay at any Shoprite, Checkers or PnP store using the *** •Cash/Eft payment details: Bank: Absa, Account no: *** Reference no: Your Identity Number •Debit Order: Please provide us with debit order amount and debit order date. In the event that you are unable to take up this offer, please make contact with us on *** Quote ***9 LET US HELP YOU!

On the 8th January 2024, I received another 2x emails from Anthony, Richards & Associates: 1.We act on behalf of our client, ABSA Bank as there is an unpaid amount of R46242.9 outstanding on your ABSA PERSONAL LOAN ACCOUNT. 2.The outstanding amount may include permitted default charges and our reasonable costs to enforce the agreement up to the date of your payment. Further interest will also be charged at the rate as mentioned above on the total balance outstanding until date of final payment. 3.In terms of Section 129 read together with Section 130 of the National Credit Act No. 34 of 2005, we advise that you have not met your obligations in respect of the above Agreement. 4.On receipt of this notice, you may refer the matter to: •Our offices at *** •A debt counsellor •An alternative dispute resolution agent •The consumer court •The Ombudsman for Banking Services to resolve any dispute or to develop a plan that is acceptable to both you and us, to bring your payments up to date. 5.Should you not respond to this notice within 10(ten) business days from the date of it being delivered to you or sent to you by registered mail, we may approach a court to enforce the above Agreement 6.Should no acceptable arrangements be made to bring the account up to date or should you not respond to this notice in terms of the above, our client may file the adverse details of your default with the credit bureaus within 20 (twenty) business days of this notice. We trust the above action will not be necessary and look forward to receiving your response.

EMAIL 2 In the matter between: ABSA BANK LIMITED Plaintiff and MEV ***X Defendant ID NUMBER: ***XX Your account number: ***XX __________________________________________________________________ NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL ACTION __________________________________________________________________ TAKE NOTICE THAT In terms of Section 129 read together with Section 130 of the National Credit Act No. 34 of 2005, you have not met your obligations in respect of the above Agreement. Further to that you did not respond to the Section 129 notice within 10(ten) business days from the date of it being delivered to you. SUMMONS WILL NOW BE LODGED AT THE COURT. THIS LETTER SERVES TO INFORM MEV ***X (hereinafter called the defendant), that ABSA BANK LIMITED, a registered Commercial Bank, being a company having a share capital and duly incorporated with limited liability in accordance with the Laws enforced from time to time in the Republic of South Africa with its registered address at 3rd Floor, ABSA Towers East, 170 Main Street, Johannesburg and duly registered as a credit provider as defined in accordance with Section 40 of the National Credit Act, Act 34 of 2005, Registration number *** (hereinafter called the plaintiff), hereby institutes legal action against defendant. Should judgment be granted against the Defendant, the Plaintiff will notify the relevant Credit Bureau. Such notification will have an adverse effect on the Defendant(s) credit worthiness. TO PEND LEGAL ACTION immediate payment of R ***X must be made on the account today or alternatively phone our offices at *** for a payment arrangement. DATED AT CAPE TOWN ON THIS 08/01/2024.

On the 8th January 2024, I received a call from Anthony, Richards & Associates. I have explained the whole situation to the person and that I am in a process fixing this error with ABSA. He said that he will make notes on the system.

On the 9th January 2024, I again received an email from Anthony, Richards & Associates: Anthony Richards and Associates is a registered debt collections company and we act on behalf of our client ABSA. A SECTION 129 LEGAL NOTICE regarding your overdue ABSA account has been sent to you. Urgently pay R***x to avoid further legal process. Please refer to the loan account details below: • Current Balance: R***x • Current Arrears Balance: R***xx • Minimum Amount Required: R***xx We understand that your circumstances are unique, this is why they would like to offer you the opportunity to contact us to setup a payment plan. In the event that no arrangements and sufficient payments are received Litigation will continue. Making and keeping a repayment arrangement will be highly beneficial to your credit profile. Contact us via WhatsApp on ***, email *** or call on *** for arrangements and payment options. Please use the following banking details when making payment: • Bank: Absa Bank • Bank Account Number: *** • Branch Code: 632005 • Kindly use your ID number as payment reference If you have already made the required payment on the account, please accept our thanks.

Up to today, I have not received any communication from ABSA.

ABSA personal loans deducted the following amounts from my ABSA current account:

2023-09-20 JOURNAL DEBIT RCCS BOS J -27,324.17 2023-09-29 DC TRACK INTERNAL ABSAPL -408.10 2023-09-29 DC TRACK INTERNAL ABSAPL -4,465.68 2023-10-31 DC TRACK INTERNAL ABSAPL -4,465.68 2023-10-31 DC TRACK INTERNAL ABSAPL -13.65 2023-11-30 DC TRACK INTERNAL ABSAPL -4,465.68 2023-11-30 DC TRACK INTERNAL ABSAPL -13.65 2023-12-29 DC TRACK INTERNAL ABSAPL -4,465.68 2023-12-29 DC TRACK INTERNAL ABSAPL -13.65

I would like ABSA to rectify this as I do not want to be blacklisted for an error from their side. I want the settlement quote that I can pay off this loan immediately.