Misleading Sales Tactics, Unauthorized Debit Order & Poor Customer Service

I am extremely disappointed with my experience with Clientele Life and feel compelled to share what happened.

On 1 May, I travelled approximately 200km with my children to enjoy a day out at the movies. Upon arriving at the cinema, we were already running late when we were stopped by one of Clientele's sales representatives. Despite explaining that we needed to get into the movie, she was extremely persistent and pressured us into listening to a lengthy sales presentation about Clientele Perks.

As a result, my children and I missed approximately 20 minutes of the movie we had paid to see.

During the sales pitch, I was repeatedly assured that we would receive complimentary movie tickets. However, when I hesitated to approve the debit order mandate, I was specifically told that I would not receive the free movie tickets unless I accepted the mandate. Feeling pressured and wanting to avoid further delays, I reluctantly proceeded.

When the complimentary movie ticket process failed to work as promised, the sales representative assured me that she would personally see to it that the mandate approval was reversed and that I would not have to worry about any money being deducted from my account. She explicitly stated that no debit order would go off my account.

Imagine my surprise when, one month later, R170 was debited from my bank account.

I immediately contacted Clientele's customer service department to dispute the debit order and request a refund, explaining exactly what had happened. Instead of investigating the matter or taking responsibility for the misleading information provided by their sales representative, I was informed that I would not receive a refund.

I requested to speak to a manager and was advised that one was unavailable but would contact me. No one ever did.

I find it completely unacceptable that consumers are pressured into signing mandates under the promise of receiving benefits, only to later discover that money has been deducted from their accounts despite assurances to the contrary. What is even more concerning is the lack of accountability once a complaint is raised.

This entire experience has been misleading, deceptive, and highly unprofessional. Based on my experience, I would strongly caution others before engaging with Clientele Life or agreeing to any products or services offered through their promotional sales representatives.

I am still awaiting a satisfactory resolution and a refund of the money that was deducted from my account.