It’s alarmingly easy to fall victim to unregistered operators or companies misusing the credentials of legitimate, registered debt counsellors. Some even create businesses with names similar to well-known brands to confuse consumers into thinking they’re dealing with credible service providers.
Have You Been Told: “We Work with the NCR”?
Perhaps you’ve received a call from someone claiming they represent the National Credit Regulator (NCR) — offering to reduce your monthly debt instalments or interest rates. All they needed was your ID number and banking details.
It sounded like a dream come true:
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Lower interest
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Lower instalments
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More money in your pocket
What they didn’t tell you?
You were being signed up for debt review — without fully understanding what that means.
Sound Familiar? You’re Not Alone.
As a registered debt counsellor with more than 15 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of consumers who came to me saying the same thing:
“I didn’t even know I was entering debt review.”
Many of them were misled — tricked into a legal process they didn’t fully understand, by someone who never should’ve had access to their personal information in the first place.
So, What Is Debt Review – Really?
Debt review is a legal process under the National Credit Act (NCA) designed to help over-indebted consumers. It allows you to:
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Restructure debts into one affordable monthly repayment
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Get lower interest rates
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Protect assets like your home or car from repossession
👉 But here’s the truth:
The NCR will never phone you.
They do not:
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Outsource calls to agents
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Monitor your interest rates
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Approve or authorise any random person to sign you up
If someone tells you otherwise, it’s a red flag. You may have been scammed.
How to Spot a Real Debt Counsellor
✅ Verify Credentials:
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NCR Register: Visit www.ncr.org.za and search for https://www.ncr.org.za/register_of_registrants/index.html debt counsellor’s NCRDC number
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Company Website: Does it list a real, registered debt counsellor?
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Check Reviews: Search on HelloPeter https://www.hellopeter.com/ or Google and company name.
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Confirm Registration: Use CIPC or SIPRO to verify business details
❓ Ask the Right Questions:
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How did you get my contact details?
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What is your NCR registration number? NCRDCxxxx?
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Are you a registered debt counsellor, or just a call centre agent?
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Can I see your company documents or website?
If they hesitate or can’t answer clearly — walk away.
Can Anyone Remove Me From Debt Review?
No. Here’s the truth:
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Only a registered debt counsellor can submit or terminate a debt review application
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Only a registered debt counsellor can issue a clearance certificate after your debt is paid up or prescribed
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No one can remove you from debt review just because you want out
Debt review is not a subscription.
It’s a court or consent-based process.
And paying someone R8,000–R15,000 to “cancel it” without following legal steps? That’s usually a scam — leading to more debt, financial stress, and potential blacklisting.
How to Exit Debt Review the Right Way
At Consumer Debt Support, we help clients exit debt review legally and ethically. We follow NCR guidelines and use real case law (like Van Vuuren vs Roets) to challenge unlawful or misrepresented entries into debt review.
We will:
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Investigate if you were misled
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Check if your debt is paid up or prescribed
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Guide you through the correct process
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Help you rebuild your credit profile with integrity
❌ What You Should NEVER Do
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Don’t click on SMS links or give your ID/bank details to unknown agents
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Don’t trust anyone who says they can remove you from debt review without a clearance certificate
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Don’t hand over thousands of rands without verifying their NCRDC registration
🚨 Only registered debt counsellors have access to the NCR portal. If someone was deregistered, their access is immediately revoked.
If you truly qualify to exit debt review, it won’t cost you thousands of rands.
Protect Yourself Before You Become a Statistic
With increasing data leaks from credit bureaus, fraudsters have more tools to prey on vulnerable consumers. The POPI Act protects your info, but it’s up to you to remain cautious.
Before sharing your details:
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Educate yourself
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Ask for verification
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Contact the NCR directly at 0860 627 627 to confirm a counsellor’s registration
💬 Final Word from Annienne Nel
This message comes from years of real experience — and a deep passion for consumer education.
“When done right, debt review is a life-changing solution.
When done wrong, it’s a nightmare.”
Let’s empower consumers with facts — not fear.
Follow Consumer Debt Support on Facebook and Instagram for expert advice.
Check our blog for real stories, honest education, and reliable support.
Don’t let fraudsters turn your financial recovery into a nightmare.
Talk to a professional. Get the facts. Make informed decisions — for your future.
