DM
Debbie M

1 reviews | Active since Sept 2015

31 Oct 2017, 13:24

Deceptive Content Management Services Subsription

I just noted that I have been billed for Content Management Services which has been subscribed to from my Cell C router. I have asked for an investigation - reference no ********** . Apparently something called "Cell C Mirror Network"?? I have not willingly and knowingly subscribed to this. I have no idea what is and what benefit I derive from this subscription. I am told that the only way to check CMS is via a USSD code and to do that I would need to put the router-SIM into a phone. This is unacceptable. Cell C (and all networks for that matter) need to start taking responsibility for deceptively subscribing people to these services. **************** at its finest. Where are the signed debt agreements we enter into agreeing to this? Why do the networks not, at the very least, send an SMS to notify us that we are subscribed to money-making-****s (some are run by the networks themselves!!!!)?? I want all charges on my account reversed relating to this unwanted and unused subscription to who knows whatever it is. I am appealing to Cell C to conduct business in a transparent manner and stop this deception with pop-up ads. I have assisted a few elderly people in the last few months (various networks) to with massive amounts of depleting airtime and data - all of them turned out to have been subscribed to CMS and they had no idea. What happened to ethical business practices and good governance? We are inundated with marketing texts and emails and phone calls...surely they can make a plan to advise us immediately that we are subscribed and provide us with the option to opt out? My account is officially in dispute as of 12:12 today. Number in question: ********** . I will take my business elsewhere if this is not resolved satisfactorily and also lodge a complaint with ICASA. And when I do, it will be in the form of a class-action. Enough is really enough now.

0
Replies (13)
Cell C
Cell C's reply31 Oct 2017, 15:04
Official

Thank you for posting to us.

It is ********* for content service providers to subscribe you to their services without your consent. You can dial *133*1# to manage your subscription services and block all existing and future content billing.

We will refer this to one of our consultants for assistance.

Regards

Cell C | PN

Best regards,

DM
Debbie M's update31 Oct 2017, 15:43
Reviewer Update
I see the subscription is for "Phonemundo 32683 ZA" and started on the 13th of June 2017 at R10.00 per day!!! I have no idea what this is and who would spend R300 per month of their hard-earned money like that? The majority in this country earn less than that a day. How is this type of thing even legal? From an online search I did earlier, it seems that this '****' has been doing the rounds for a few years now. What are the networks doing about this to protect their customers? I am asking, not just for me, but for the millions being caught like this every month. Surely there are checks and controls build into your systems?
Cell C
Cell C's reply01 Nov 2017, 08:36
Official

Palesa has been in contact with you to assist and advise on a way forward regarding this matter.

Regards

Cell C | PN

Best regards,

DM
Debbie M's update01 Nov 2017, 12:51
Reviewer Update
Someone contacted me yesterday with an email address for the 3rd party provider, a certain Mira Networks. I am waiting for their reply. In the meantime, I am requesting, from Cell C, a copy of the agreement entered into with them which prompted them to pay over monies to this 3rd party on my behalf. I am told this has nothing to do with Cell C. You are wrong. The moment you deducted money from me you became party to this questionable money-making practice. I am holding Cell C liable for this as well. You did not act in good faith. Please forward me relevant signed agreements so I can get to the bottom of this. Please also advise on the escalation/appeal process should I need to follow this route.
Cell C
Cell C's reply01 Nov 2017, 15:34
Official

Good afternoon Debbie

We have forwarded your feedback for further assistance.

Regards

Cell C | PN

Best regards,

DM
Debbie M's update01 Nov 2017, 16:47
Reviewer Update
Thank you. Mira Networks has not yet bothered to respond. Must give Cell C a thumbs up in terms of timeous response on Hellopeter as well as calling me back. Appreciate it.
DM
Debbie M's update20 Nov 2017, 13:00
Reviewer Update
It has now been 2 weeks.....I have heard nothing further from Cell C with regards to an investigation and I have also not received the R1,410.00 credit. Neither has Mira Networks responded to my Hellopeter complaint or to emails I sent to two different email addresses (one supp**** to me by Cell C and the other I found on their website). Disgraceful. You had no issue to eagerly and timeously pay over my money to a 3rd party but now that it comes to dealing with issues between your client and your 3rd party, Cell C is mum on the matter........not your problem???? It is your problem. It became your problem the moment you transferred the initial amount over to them and billed me for it. I have an agreement with Cell C, not with Mira Networks. You on the other hand, have an agreement with Mira Networks and a separate agreement with me. You have to get involved. Whether you like it or not. Let me remind you of 2 of the 4 pillars that drive your business: 1) Service Excellence drives the business to ensure that every customer touch point is delightful. The company has increased its investment in a top quality customer service layer and driven an internal culture of customer care to ensure that customers are always assured of a top-notch experience. 2) Human Capital is the fourth pillar driving the business. Cell C's biggest asset is its customer and their needs must be the basis for everything Cell C does as a business. Cell C's staff are the people that ensure this happens and Cell C is forming a sound foundation from which to offer its values to be Fair, Simple, Inspiring, Innovative and do it all with a Smile. I am supposedly your biggest asset. You are busy losing me. I have an upgrade pending and another coming up. You have exactly 48 hours to deal with this matter. If not, I will escalate it via ICASA and I will also take my business elsewhere. And if I am forced to spend any more time or resources on this matter it will take the form of a class-action. This is not a threat, it is a promise.
DM
Debbie M's update29 Nov 2017, 08:36
Reviewer Update
Judging by the way Cell C is ignoring me I can only assume that you never made good on your promise to investigate this issue. Mira has thus far only refunded R490.00. The balance of R920.00 is still outstanding. Please understand that Cell C is jointly liable for this situation. I will be deducting this amount from my Cell C account.
DM
Debbie M's update29 Nov 2017, 08:36
Reviewer Update
Judging by the way Cell C is ignoring me I can only assume that you never made good on your promise to investigate this issue. Mira has thus far only refunded R490.00. The balance of R920.00 is still outstanding. Please understand that Cell C is jointly liable for this situation. I will be deducting this amount from my Cell C account.
Cell C
Cell C's reply29 Nov 2017, 09:55
Official

Good morning Debbie

On the 31st of October, the consultant who assisted you and provided feedback advised on a way forward.

We will get someone to assist further.

Regards

Cell C | PN

Best regards,

DM
Debbie M's update29 Nov 2017, 10:40
Reviewer Update
Hi. The feedback on the 31st of October was that Cell C would launch an investigation on their side as well. This has not happened. Mira has paid R490 this morning, but it is R920 short of the total amount due (which is R1,410). I sent them an email regarding this, but no reply as yet.
DM
Debbie M's update04 Dec 2017, 17:28
Reviewer Update
No response from Mira Networks. Please advice on the escalation procedures going forward. You are under legal obligation to provide me with such information. My patience is up.
Cell C
Cell C's reply05 Dec 2017, 08:44
Official

Good morning Debbie

Cell C referred the matter to Mira networks hence you received the refund and on the 29th of November, a request was sent to Mira for further assistance after you advised that they had not responded to your email.

We will follow up with Mira for further assistance.

Regards

Cell C | PN

Best regards,