DP
Delaine P

1 reviews | Active since Feb 2016

08 Feb 2023, 22:48

Pathetic customer service

I have experienced nothing less than frustration and absolute dissapointment with Alexander forbes. i called Alexander forbes in January for an update for my payout, which at that point i found out that in November 2021 they had tried to contact me for payout. I was told they were unable to do so as they did not have my contact information, however in May 2021 i had been receiving mails from them on the same email address that i am currently using. On the 3rd of January i had called in regarding my pension fund, and was advised by the consultant that my funds were ready to be paid out however alexander forbes was unable to make contact with me. I was given an email address to forward through the documents which was incorrect and kept returning the email. On this call i had also requested my statement, which the consultant confirmed that a request was sent through to the relevant department, to date i have not received any statement of email of acknowledgment. I then called through again the next day, where i was given the correct email address, i then forwarded the documents and called back 2 days later where i was advised that the documents were not yet sent to the relevant department but was being done whilst still on the call, ever since i have been calling through every business day.I have spoken to countless consultants who provided me the exact same information, nothing further or helpful. At one point i spoke to a consultant, who was really helpful and knowledgable and i was that my information/documents was sent to sars, the turn around time for this department would be 4-7 days and then i would receive a call within these 7 days, thereafter i should expect payment within 2 days as it was in the final stages of payout, this was said to me during the 2nd week of January.After calling numerous times, and waiting a week, i then asked to speak to the team leader,Brian. On the call with Brian, i was advised by him that a request to change bank form was required, which was not communicated to me in the previous 3 weeks that i had been calling through. I had the document filled, sent it through to the Admin email as well as to Brian's direct email. 2 days later i did a follow up as i did not receive an acknowledgement of the email and was advised that the document would be sent through to the relevant department. I called again a few days later, and was told by Brian that he would get the relevant party to give me a call, and so would he. I did not receive a call, so i called the next day again with the same promise. I called last thursday, again was promised a call back before the close of business, with nothing as usual. I called through this week Monday, was told that Brian was in a meeting. I called through yesterday, and was told Brian was doing system updates, i then asked for contact details for someone higher so that i am able to escalate this matter and get direct and proper feedback. I was then put through to Jack, whose email address i took down. I e-mailed both Brian and Jack this morning as well as called. I spoke to Brian who said he would be liasing directly with the Manager of the fund administrator and would give me a call just after 12 which i did not receive. I did however receive a call from one of their agents to let me know she is calling on behalf of brian to find out if anyone else called me, and that was it. I asked her to get Brian to call me back, but have still not received a call. This matter has become really frustrating as i am still sitting with no feedback, no communication from higher management or even the consultant handling my case, and lets not forget, my funds have been sitting with Alexander forbes for one year. Also, i was given time frames in which these calls would take place, and every time, nothing happens and i find myself calling through again.

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Replies (1)
Alexander Forbes Financial Services
Alexander Forbes Financial Services's reply09 Feb 2023, 08:55
Official
Dear Ms Pillay

At Alexander Forbes, our clients are important to us and I am sorry to learn that you’re dissatisfied with our service. Thank you for taking the time to bring this to our attention.  
We hereby acknowledge receipt of your complaint and apologies for the inconvenience caused.
 
We will investigate your query and provide feedback with the contact details provided.   
  
Kind Regards
Customer Insights and Escalations