Standard Bank Confirms My Debt Is Prescribed, Then Sends Me a Bill Again!

I'm deeply frustrated and disappointed by the treatment I’ve received from Standard Bank. No one calls and it seems this is the only way to resort to get things resolved.

On 23 June 2025, I received an official letter from the bank stating clearly that my debt under a credit agreement has been extinguished by prescription. The letter confirms, in line with Section 126B of the National Credit Act, that:

The bank is no longer entitled to collect any money from me.

I am under no obligation to make payment.

Any payments made after 13 March 2015 should be refunded to me.

They will update my credit profile and remove any adverse listings.

Yet just two weeks later, on 7 July 2025, I received a completely contradictory letter from the same bank saying I owe R73,476.32 — and that I should pay it at any branch!

How can a bank acknowledge in writing that a debt has prescribed — and then go back on it and try to collect again?

This is misleading, emotionally distressing, and in clear violation of the law. I feel deceived and disrespected. I request:

An immediate correction in writing;

Confirmation that this account is indeed prescribed;

A written statement that no amount is due;

Assurance that this will not affect my credit profile.

I trusted Standard Bank to handle this professionally, but instead, I’m being given mixed messages and legal contradictions. This must be resolved urgently.