Warning to Consumers: Unauthorised Debt Review & Debit Orders by CDS Consulting, Law Aid Africa & DC Partners

I am sharing my experience to warn other consumers about what appears to be a coordinated **** involving CDS Consulting, Law Aid Africa, and DC Partners.

I was recently placed under debt review without my consent by CDS Consulting, who also debit my bank account without me authorising or giving them a mandate.

When I investigated, I discovered that Law Aid Africa—a company I have never had any contact with—also listed me under debt review. Numerous complaints online describe the exact same experience with both companies, suggesting they share the same modus operandi and are likely working together.

Both companies use a third-party payment facilitator, DC Partners, to process debit orders on victims’ accounts. When I contacted DC Partners, they confirmed that CDS Consulting had loaded the debit order through their system, though they claim to be only a service provider.

I also managed to trace the debt counsellor responsible for submitting my details for debt review: Bongaletu [surname withheld], contact number 071 420 4231 (which is now inactive). I do not know who this person is and had never had any interaction with him/her. None of the supposed debt counsellors or company representatives answer calls, WhatsApp messages, or emails—yet they continue to collect money and fail to pay creditors.

To their credit, DC Partners have at least responded to my inquiries and requested documents for their own internal investigation.

This situation appears to involve *****ulent debt review listings and unauthorised financial transactions, and I am continuing to gather evidence and report it to the relevant authorities, including the National Credit Regulator (NCR), FSCA, and SAPS.

Consumers should be extremely cautious when dealing with these companies. If you notice any unauthorised debit orders from unfami**** entities, contact your bank immediately, dispute the transactions, and report them to the NCR. Constantly follow up with NCR to ensure prompt assistance.

I will continue to share updates as the investigation progresses.