********* debits from TELKOM

I previously held a top-up cell phone contract with Telkom, paying R109 monthly. After the contract expired, I continued using the top-up service However, I noticed that my monthly debit amounts started changing initially by small amounts but gradually increasing over time, even though I did not upgrade to a new contract.

A few months ago, I was debited over R2,000, which was an alarming amount. Assuming it was *****ulent, I immediately reversed the transaction and flagged it with my bank. I attempted to contact Telkom’s customer service but was unsuccessful in reaching anyone. As a result, I visited a Telkom store Zevenwacht mall to seek clarification on why this amount had been debited.

At the store, the representative informed me that changes were made to my account in October, switching me from Top up line to an open-line contract—something I neither requested nor agreed to. I was extremely frustrated. I have Wi-Fi access at both work and home and did not need an open-line contract, especially without a device. The representative said she would escalate the issue to the accounting department, and I would receive a callback from them on that same day. That was three months ago, and I have yet to receive any follow-up.

The following week, I visited another Telkom store in Century City. After paying R2,600 to avoid being blacklisted, I explained my situation to a different representative and requested the account be closed immediately, as I no longer wished to continue any contract with Telkom. I was informed that I would still need to pay a cancellation fee for an additional two months. Now, three months after canceling a contract that had already expired, I am still being billed, all while purchasing data bundles separately each month. I am being unfairly charged each month, my contract was changed from a Top Up to an open line contract without my permission and the consultant explained that this has been happening to many clients over the years and there is nothing they can do about it, you as the customer must just pay or else they blacklist you. At this point, the only remaining option is to escalate the matter to the ombudsman for resolution.