Last updated on: 02/06/2024
Quick Summary
Debtsafe is a South African company that offers debt relief solutions, including debt review, to help individuals regain financial control. While some customers have praised their effective service and positive impact on their financial situation, there are also negative reviews highlighting issues with communication and delays. Thorough research and seeking testimonials from multiple sources are recommended before considering their services.
About Debtsafe
Debtsafe is a reputable company in South Africa that specializes in providing debt relief solutions to individuals facing financial challenges. Their primary goal is to eliminate debt stress and help their clients regain control of their finances.
At Debtsafe, they believe in taking a direct and doable approach towards resolving debts. They advise individuals to first try negotiating with their creditors before considering enrolling into the Debt Review program offered by Debtsafe. Negotiating with creditors can be an effective way to find mutually beneficial solutions for both parties involved.
Negotiating with Creditors
When negotiating with creditors, it’s important for individuals to gather certain documents and information as advised by Debtsafe. This includes preparing a written motivation explaining your current financial situation, creating a budget showing cash flow details, establishing a timeline for the leniency period on payments, and calculating how much you can afford during this leniency period.
Contacting Debtsafe
However, if negotiation attempts fail or if individuals find themselves falling further behind on payments despite efforts made through negotiations alone; then contacting Debtsafe becomes crucial.
Debtsafe offers comprehensive services including Debt Review which helps clients regain financial control over time while catching up on missed payments without any legal action being taken against them. Their experienced team works closely with each client throughout the process ensuring stability not only financially but also within families affected by these circumstances. DebtSafe brings 15 years of real relief experience aiming at bringing peace & security back into people’s lives.
Educational Resources
In addition to offering debt review services, Debtsafe provides educational resources aimed at helping consumers make informed decisions regarding personal finance matters. They understand that knowledge plays an essential role when it comes to managing one’s own money. Therefore, the website features tools such as application forms, budget calculators, and other useful materials designed to assist users along every step of the journey toward achieving better overall fiscal health.
Contacting Debtsafe
Debtsafe understands that when it comes to debt, time is of the essence. That’s why they provide multiple channels for individuals seeking assistance or information about their services. Here are the various ways you can get in touch with Debtsafe:
1. Telephone:
- For immediate assistance and personalized guidance, you can contact Debtsafe via telephone.
- Call their dedicated helpline at 0861 100 999 during operating hours.
2. Email:
- If you prefer written communication or have detailed inquiries, email is a convenient option.
- Send an email to info@debtsafe.co.za, and one of their knowledgeable consultants will respond as soon as possible.
3. Fax:
- Some individuals may still find faxing documents more comfortable than other methods.
- You can send any necessary documentation or correspondence through fax by using this number: 086 732 4181
4. SMS:
- If your query requires a quick response but doesn’t require extensive explanation, you also have the option to reach out via SMS on 30898 (free).
Operating Hours and Location:
The Debtsafe National Contact Centre operates during specific hours throughout the week so that clients receive prompt attention from trained professionals who understand South Africa’s unique financial landscape.
Their operating hours are as follows:
- Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
For those who prefer face-to-face consultations or need help filling out forms/documents, the physical location of The DebtSafe National Contact Center is located at:
42 Van Riebeeck St,
Mokopane,
0601 Limpopo, South Africa.
Contact Form:
To streamline client requests for assistance, the company provides an online contact form on its website. This allows potential clients to submit relevant details regarding their situation directly. The form prompts users for essential information such as name, email address, and phone number. Users can also provide a brief description of their situation or specific questions they may have. Once the form is submitted, Debtsafe’s team will review it and respond accordingly.
Social Media Presence:
In addition to traditional communication channels, Debtsafe maintains an active presence on various social media platforms. This allows individuals to stay updated with the latest news and information about debt relief solutions in South Africa. You can find them on:
By providing multiple contact options including telephone, email, fax, SMS, and online forms as well as maintaining a strong social media presence, Debtsafe ensures that clients have convenient ways to reach out for assistance or gather more information about their services.
Client Reviews on Hellopeter
Debtsafe, a debt counselling company in South Africa, has received a mix of reviews on the popular review platform Hellopeter. These reviews provide valuable insights into the experiences that customers have had with Debtsafe’s services.
Positive Reviews:
Many customers have praised Debtsafe for their effective service and support. They highlight specific consultants who went above and beyond to turn their negative situations around. One reviewer mentioned Nanelle, who managed to resolve months of issues within just 10 minutes, leaving them highly satisfied with the outcome. Another customer recommended Debtsafe for its professionalism and positive impact on their financial situation, labelling them as “the best debt counsellors” they’ve encountered.
Negative Reviews:
However, it is important to note that there are also several negative reviews about Debtsafe’s services. Many users expressed frustration over poor communication from the company and long delays in receiving responses or necessary documentation like clearance certificates. Some reviewers reported waiting for weeks or even months without any resolution or clear updates regarding their cases.
Common Issues Raised by Customers:
- Communication Delays: Several reviews point out that getting timely feedback or resolutions from DebtSafe can be challenging at times.
- Service Quality: There are mixed experiences when it comes to evaluating DebtSafe’s efficiency and helpfulness; while some clients found relief through working with them, others felt neglected or misled during certain stages of the process.
- Consultant Impact: Individual consultants play an essential role in shaping each client’s experience. Some were commended for being supportive throughout the journey, whereas others faced criticism due to the lacklustre assistance provided.
These ratings indicate areas where improvements could be made by Debtsafe, particularly focusing more attention towards improving communication channels and enhancing overall quality control measures. It is crucially important for potential clients to conduct thorough research before making decisions related to seeking help from a particular debt counseling agency. Reading multiple sources of testimonials and reviews can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the company’s track record.
In conclusion, Debtsafe has received both positive and negative feedback from customers on Hellopeter. While some clients have had excellent experiences with their services, others have faced challenges such as communication delays or service quality issues. It is advisable for potential clients to conduct thorough research, read multiple sources of testimonials, and seek recommendations before making any decisions regarding debt counselling assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is debt review and how does it work?
Debt review, also known as debt counselling, is a process designed to help individuals who are struggling with their debts. It involves working with a registered Debt Counsellor like Debtsafe to create an affordable repayment plan based on your income and expenses. The Debt Counsellor will negotiate reduced monthly payments with your creditors and ensure that you have enough money left for essential living expenses.
How long does the debt review process take?
The duration of the debt review process can vary depending on individual circumstances. On average, it takes about three to five years to complete the program successfully. However, this timeline may be shorter or longer depending on factors such as the amount of outstanding debt and your ability to make regular payments towards reducing it.
Can Debtsafe help with all types of debt?
Yes, Debtsafe can assist clients in managing various types of unsecured debts including credit card bills, personal loans, store accounts, and medical bills among others. However, it’s important to note that secured debts, such as mortgage bonds or vehicle finance, cannot be included in the debt review process. These obligations need to be paid separately and directly to the creditors involved.
What are the fees associated with Debtsafe services?
Debtsafe does charge fees for their services. The exact fee structure will be discussed during your initial consultation with a qualified debt counsellor. It is important to note that these fees are regulated by the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and should be fair and equitable. Debt counselling fees can include an application fee, restructuring fee, and monthly aftercare management fee. Make sure you understand all the details regarding these fees to avoid any confusion later on.
Can I still use my credit cards while under debt review?
No, during the debt review process, you will not be able to use your credit cards or incur any new debt. This is because you are working on repaying existing debts and regaining financial stability. Using credit or incurring new debt would contradict the purpose of the debt review process. It’s important to focus on your recovery plan and avoid taking on additional financial obligations.
Will debt review affect my credit score?
Yes, entering into the debt review process will have an impact on your credit score. While under debt review, a flag is placed on your credit profile indicating that you are undergoing this program. This can make it difficult to access further credit during this time. However, it’s important to note that once you successfully complete the program, the flag will be removed from your profile, and with timely payments of all other commitments, your credit score should improve over time.
Can I cancel the debt review process if I change my mind?
Yes, you do have the option to cancel the debt review process if you change your mind or find another solution for managing your debts. However, cancelling the debt review service will result in you no longer being protected by the special provisions provided under this program. Your creditors may resume collection activities including legal action against you. Therefore, before making a cancellation decision, it is critical to discuss all available options with a debt counsellor to ensure that it is the best course of action for your specific situation.
How can I improve my financial situation after completing debt review?
Completing the debt review process is an accomplishment, but it is just the start of building a better financial future. After completing debt counselling, take steps to build a good credit history. Pay bills on time, reduce new borrowings, maintain a steady source of income, and create an emergency fund. These actions will help you rebuild your finances and improve your financial situation over time. Consider working with a qualified financial advisor to develop a personalized plan that fits your goals and circumstances.
