1 reviews | Active since Jul 2018
URGENT: Blacklisted Phone Purchased from Takealot – Demand for Refund
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a cellphone I purchased from Takealot in November 2024, which I paid for in full (cash purchase). On 12 February 2026, I was informed by MTN that the device has been blacklisted, making it unusable on any mobile network. I have since confirmed that the IMEI of the device has been blocked due to it being reported as lost/****** or linked to irregular activity.
This situation is completely unacceptable. I purchased this phone in good faith from Takealot, a reputable retailer, and I have now been left with a device that is effectively worthless through no fault of my own. Upon further investigation, I have discovered that multiple customers are reporting the exact same issue, with devices purchased around the same period being blacklisted at the same time. This strongly suggests a supply-chain or seller-related problem, and not an isolated incident. In terms of the Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008, consumers are entitled to goods that are: • Of good quality • In good working order • Fit for purpose • Free of defects and not misrepresented A blacklisted cellphone does not meet these legal requirements.
I am extremely frustrated with the way my claim is being handled by Takealot.
I purchased a cellphone from Takealot in November 2024, and in February 2026 the device was suddenly blacklisted by MTN, even though the phone was bought legitimately and paid for in full. I immediately logged a claim with Takealot to have this investigated and resolved.
However, Takealot is now insisting that I send the charger with the phone before they will process the claim. The problem is that the phone was purchased over a year ago and the original charger was damaged and replaced long ago, which is completely unrelated to the issue of the phone being blacklisted.
The charger has absolutely nothing to do with whether the device itself is legitimate or not. If the phone had been original and properly registered as expected when purchasing from a reputable retailer like Takealot, we would not be in this situation in the first place.
Takealot’s own returns policy generally requires that items be returned with their accessories and packaging where possible, but the focus should be on evaluating the defective or problematic product itself. �
Takealot Policy Centre
It is unreasonable to delay or obstruct a legitimate claim over a charger that has no bearing on the phone being blacklisted.
At this point I simply want Takealot to:
Process the claim without unnecessary delays
Investigate why a phone purchased from their platform has been blacklisted
Provide a refund or replacement as appropriate
I expected better accountability from one of South Africa’s biggest online retailers.
I am extremely frustrated with the way my claim is being handled by Takealot.
I purchased a cellphone from Takealot in November 2024, and in February 2026 the device was suddenly blacklisted by MTN, even though the phone was bought legitimately and paid for in full. I immediately logged a claim with Takealot to have this investigated and resolved.
However, Takealot is now insisting that I send the charger with the phone before they will process the claim. The problem is that the phone was purchased over a year ago and the original charger was damaged and replaced long ago, which is completely unrelated to the issue of the phone being blacklisted.
The charger has absolutely nothing to do with whether the device itself is legitimate or not. If the phone had been original and properly registered as expected when purchasing from a reputable retailer like Takealot, we would not be in this situation in the first place.
Takealot’s own returns policy generally requires that items be returned with their accessories and packaging where possible, but the focus should be on evaluating the defective or problematic product itself. �
Takealot Policy Centre
It is unreasonable to delay or obstruct a legitimate claim over a charger that has no bearing on the phone being blacklisted.
At this point I simply want Takealot to:
Process the claim without unnecessary delays
Investigate why a phone purchased from their platform has been blacklisted
Provide a refund or replacement as appropriate
I expected better accountability from one of South Africa’s biggest online retailers.