Lost Airtime: Vodacom

[Gansegat]

I use a prepaid Vodacom service, buy airtime when I need it, but no mobile data since I am always on WiFi.

I noticed that R10 is withdrawn from my airtime every day. I phoned Vodacom Customer Care (082 135) and all content services were blocked and cancelled, according to Vodacom (see attached correspondence).

But still, every day the R10 is subtracted. I tried the Customer Care service numerous times, but nothing helps. The Vodacom shop personnel in my town say that they can't do anything further, since I am a prepaid client (??). They can only block such services for contract clients.

I do not play computer games; I am not subscribed to any such services, but apparently there is something (called "Ongames") which steals R10 every day. What am I to do? I can't buy airtime for a thief! So I have a cellphone but I can't make any calls from it. How lame is this!

Can someone advise me on what to do further?

 

[Gansegat]

I also posted a complaint about above issue on Hello Peter yesterday afternoon. Within 5 hours, a representative of Vodacom phoned me, corrected the problem by blocking the subscription, and re-imbursed me for airtime lost. That is great service! I will give it a few days before really being convinced that the subscription is blocked, but for now I am quite relieved.

 

[Frequent visitor]

I also posted a complaint about above issue on Hello Peter yesterday afternoon. Within 5 hours, a representative of Vodacom phoned me, corrected the problem by blocking the subscription, and re-imbursed me for airtime lost. That is great service! I will give it a few days before really being convinced that the subscription is blocked, but for now I am quite relieved.

I suppose I am old fashioned, but to me if someone allows someone else to deduct money from my account, be it a bank or cellphone account, it is for them to prove they have the authority. With banks in the UK if a direct debit is disputed by you, you get a refund, no messing. It is the price they pay for the convenience of not matching up d/ds with accounts.
In SA, banks, cell phone companies and credit companies like Edcon let any Tom, Dick, or Harry make deductions, and most leave you to sort it out with the debitor, who generally don't want to know. An Edcon credit account was one of the worst I had to deal with: my domestic was charged for airtime she did not want and did not receive. She had a Jetstore account and had to join a long queue, only to be zizzed off by a lippy Zulu girl. When she rang the 'provider' they used Indians to give her the run around. She had to call me in to help, as they did not try to bully me. But it took ages to sort out. These scum trade on the quiet nature of the Sotho.
I have found Zulus used in this way all too often. Usually if I just go and stand near the domestic they change their approach. Bullies do not like being bullied themselves!