Vodacom Bill Shock

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Mr Mann

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Vodacom Is literally putting me and my 2 year old daughter on the streets. They surprised me with a R50 000 data bill and are not willing to discount even a little bit. Not once did I receive an sms saying my bill was that high. If I have to pay this bill we will not be able to afford o put food on the able for the next 6 months let alone pay the rent. we will quite literally have to go live under a bridge. Does anyone know what I can do? I am desperate.
 
Mr Mann said:
Vodacom Is literally putting me and my 2 year old daughter on the streets. They surprised me with a R50 000 data bill and are not willing to discount even a little bit. Not once did I receive an sms saying my bill was that high. If I have to pay this bill we will not be able to afford o put food on the able for the next 6 months let alone pay the rent. we will quite literally have to go live under a bridge. Does anyone know what I can do? I am desperate.
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I suggest some sort of payment arrangement.

It does sound like you're fully aware of the cost and not disputing it, you are disputing not being warned though. My advice, get in contact with Vodacom and see what kind of agreement you guys can come up with. Fark me that is a nasty bill. Reason I only do these top-up contract thingies.
 
Mr Mann, its called OOB shark.
Proudly brought to you by Vodacon- SA's leading cellular network
 
Step 1:Would be to not tell them any sobb story about not having money for food, or living under a bridge. They will just laugh at you.

Step 2: get in touch with them and show them how much you can realistically afford to pay back per month.

Step 3: Once paid off, cancel your contract and go prepaid.
 
This is reported with such regularity on this forum (and you have to assume that only a fraction of cases are reported here) that you have to start wondering at what point there is a sufficient number of consumers who have, for whatever reason, inadvertently run up massive bills with Vodacom that there is grounds for some kind of "class action" against them.

The explanations/excuses from Vodacom on a per-case basis are all very well, even when the consumer accepts responsibility, but if a sizeable quantity of OOB shark victims from over the years got together, that would no doubt demonstrate a very compelling pattern of ongoing negligence.

Just my 2c - everyone who's been hit by an unexpected massive bill should form an organisation, find a lawyer, and approach the courts.
 
garp said:
This is reported with such regularity on this forum (and you have to assume that only a fraction of cases are reported here) that you have to start wondering at what point there is a sufficient number of consumers who have, for whatever reason, inadvertently run up massive bills with Vodacom that there is grounds for some kind of "class action" against them.

The explanations/excuses from Vodacom on a per-case basis are all very well, even when the consumer accepts responsibility, but if a sizeable quantity of OOB shark victims from over the years got together, that would no doubt demonstrate a very compelling pattern of ongoing negligence.

Just my 2c - everyone who's been hit by an unexpected massive bill should form an organisation, find a lawyer, and approach the courts.
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hence the new Icasa ruling in this regard - but since the OP only got his bill now this was probably before the the regulation came into play
 
Bad Vodacom !!!

I just can't believe that they have been getting away with this for so long.

And there is also the issue of extending credit without doing an adequate credit appraisal, maybe it is time for a few criminal charges against Vodacom and their Directors. I am sure that this will be covered by some of the Banking / Credit Acts.
 
You could go to the media and embarrass them into making accommodations. These days social media works best.
 
R13... said:
You could go to the media and embarrass them into making accommodations. These days social media works best.
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I'm not sure that would work. We are after all talking about the same company that had no shame in immediately trying to charge people to roll over their data. They backed out of that one because it seems that enough people spoke out against them seemingly going against the spirit of the new regulation. If this bill is subject to the law prior to the new regulation they will have that on their side and stick with it, I reckon. Unscrupulous is the word that comes to my mind.

I would try to negotiate a payment plan first if the OP is not contesting the amounts charged. Then look at other options if they are not receptive to that.
 
isie said:
hence the new Icasa ruling in this regard - but since the OP only got his bill now this was probably before the the regulation came into play
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OP might still have a fighting chance (retrospective if it can be found to be unlawful) and he's prepared for a very very long, costly, uphill battle.
 
MirageF1 said:
OP might still have a fighting chance (retrospective if it can be found to be unlawful) and he's prepared for a very very long, costly, uphill battle.
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They have been know to discount some issues like this but still up to the OP to start the query.

Cynical as i may seem i still can't believe people do not check their data usage
 
Maybe play the race card?

But ja, call them and setup some kind of payment plan. & for the love of Angelina Jolie go onto pre-paid!
 
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isie said:
They have been know to discount some issues like this but still up to the OP to start the query.

Cynical as i may seem i still can't believe people do not check their data usage
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Agreed, and how anyone could let it build up to that ridiculous amount is beyond my understanding or personal experience...
Either ignorance or apathy or both....neither are valid excuses.
 
Jola said:
Bad Vodacom !!!

I just can't believe that they have been getting away with this for so long.

And there is also the issue of extending credit without doing an adequate credit appraisal, maybe it is time for a few criminal charges against Vodacom and their Directors. I am sure that this will be covered by some of the Banking / Credit Acts.
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Yup and when I brought it up years ago I was told only a small percentage ever go OOB.
Thank God I left that **** show
 
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