SABC warning you to pay license for TV you don’t own? Here’s what to do…
Consumer journalist Wendy Knowler breaks down how to stop these unwanted messages.
Photo: Pixabay/Vika_Glitter
Pippa Hudson interviews Consumer Journalist Wendy Knowler.
Listen below (skip to 31:08).
A listener contacted Hudson after receiving demands to pay her TV license for a TV she doesn't own.
"How does my cell number get connected to some debt collector for payment of a TV that I do not own?" she queried.
Despite blocking the number, she continues to receive regular messages instructing her to pay.
The listener asked about tracing the numbers, checking TV ownership, and redirecting messages to the correct recipient.
Knowler suggests two possibilities: either the listener had an uncancelled licence in the past or incorrect contact details were used.
In the former scenario, if debt collectors contact you, you can file a complaint with the Council for Debt Collectors as they are regulated.
However, if the SABC contacts you through legal channels, unfortunately, there's no recourse, according to Knowler.
"If it's a legal practice that the SABC has done this handover to, then they don't fall under the jurisdiction of the Council for Debt Collectors."
- Wendy Knowler, Consumer Journalist
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.