Vodacom MobiVIP.6 Content Service Cost Me R5,286

[tisab]

For the past 881 days, as a contract client (without my permission or knowledge) Vodacom debited my bank account R6.00 / day (R5,286) for Mobile Content Services - see image attached.

It seriously annoys me that never once, did Vodacom ever (verbally) contact me re. this matter. Worse still, on contacting Vodacom Customer Services today, requesting a refund - the reply was a flat NO! Of equal concern, is the sheer number of other unsuspecting South African Vodacom contract clients faced with the same (or worse) unscrupulous fraudulent practice.

What am I going to do about it? Exactly this....

Both my iPhone 6s's are Jailbroken (iOS 9.02 & 9.2) on Vodacom's network. I will henceforth take full advantage of JailBreak apps such as TetherMe, MyWi, PDANet etc.

Its that simple.

 

[Johnatan56]

Is that a parental control service? It's the only hit I can find on Google. It also seems to be for android, not iOS.

Ask them to prove that you agreed to it, if they can't go to the small claims court.

 

[tisab]

Thanks for the advice Johnatan56....

Like you searching Google I came up with same "parental control" - however I have no kids and have never married! Further Ive only ever owned iOS. The last (contract) iOS device I had with Vodacom was a 5s

 

[koeksGHT]

Not much you can do but try take provider(service owner) to court but you don't have much a chance. They may refund to get rid of complaint.

 

[Johnatan56]

Not much you can do but try take provider(service owner) to court but you don't have much a chance. They may refund to get rid of complaint.

That's why small claims, minimal fees but you'll have to take time off work. This guy took Vodacom to the small claims court: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/680007-I-took-Vodacom-to-Court-and-Won!

Next step, small claims court, Randburg, got the forms and simply filled them. Walked my way into Sandton Vodacom and had staff members scampering around the building all to scared to sign a letter of demand at which point I left with a unsigned letter. (Its purely just a confirmation of delivery signature, not a plea Vodacom…)

At that point I waited my 14 days with no response and then took a drive to the sheriffs office in Midrand and they happily assisted it delivering the court date to Vodacom for a fee of R150.

They'll either back down and issue a refund or you go to court without lawyers, the matter's below R15k. If they can provide proof of you accepting the terms, then no, you'll lose.

 

[koeksGHT]

That's why small claims, minimal fees but you'll have to take time off work. This guy took Vodacom to the small claims court: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/680007-I-took-Vodacom-to-Court-and-Won!


They'll either back down and issue a refund or you go to court without lawyers, the matter's below R15k. If they can provide proof of you accepting the terms, then no, you'll lose.

I built a little report tool which grabs all info needed and compiles pdf for proof of opt in. The WASP operator is the one you need to look at, the network just facilitates the transaction.

You don't just get subbed out of nowhere anymore, you initiate it somehow.

 

[Thor]

Where is Jan Spin?

 

[Johnatan56]

I built a little report tool which grabs all info needed and compiles pdf for proof of opt in. The WASP operator is the one you need to look at, the network just facilitates the transaction.

You don't just get subbed out of nowhere anymore, you initiate it somehow.

Taking into account that it was activated in 2014, when did that force opt-in law take place again? That's why ask Vodacom for proof that you opted in.

Where is Jan Spin?

Jannie?

@OP Thor's idea is actually good, message Jannie, he's the executive head of Vodacom.

 

[koeksGHT]

Taking into account that it was activated in 2014, when did that force opt-in law take place again? That's why ask Vodacom for proof that you opted in.

Around that time. But not checking your bill in over 2 years is not the content providers fault. If you can indeed prove you didn't opt in then you may have a shot. But how can you prove it? We can provide logs for date/time/device etc

 

[Johnatan56]

Around that time. But not checking your bill in over 2 years is not the content providers fault. If you can indeed prove you didn't opt in then you may have a shot. But how can you prove it? We can provide logs for date/time/device etc

Yeah, that's what OP should ask for.

 

[tisab]

That's why small claims, minimal fees but you'll have to take time off work. This guy took Vodacom to the small claims court: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/680007-I-took-Vodacom-to-Court-and-Won!


They'll either back down and issue a refund or you go to court without lawyers, the matter's below R15k. If they can provide proof of you accepting the terms, then no, you'll lose.

Whats weird is the activation date (which I blurred in first post) is 02 July 2014 ... according to my records this is the date I collected and signed my two year (iPhone 5s) contract with Vodacom - Gateway, Durban.

 

[koeksGHT]

Yeah, that's what OP should ask for.

Most providers will beat you solid in court with cash reserves. Unless you are rich and want to make a point good luck, hope for the refund or partial refund.

 

[koeksGHT]

Whats weird is the activation date (which I blurred in first post) is 02 July 2014 ... according to my records this is the date I collected and signed my two year (iPhone 5s) contract with Vodacom - Gateway, Durban.

New number? Not sure back then but recycled numbers may still be subscribed and active.

 

[Johnatan56]

Most providers will beat you solid in court with cash reserves. Unless you are rich and want to make a point good luck, hope for the refund or partial refund.

No, small claims court, no lawyers, that's the point.
http://www.justice.gov.za/scc/scc.htm
http://www.iol.co.za/business/personal-finance/how-small-claims-court-system-works-1790342

 

[koeksGHT]

No, small claims court, no lawyers, that's the point.
http://www.justice.gov.za/scc/scc.htm
http://www.iol.co.za/business/personal-finance/how-small-claims-court-system-works-1790342

Means he doesn't need a lawyer, you bet your ass i'm bringing one who will school him.

 

[tisab]

In the several times I went into (that branch) during my two contract term (I no longer have a Vodacom contract) and questioned my account charges etc (with the same sales rep... who still works there) never once did he bring it theses charges to my attention. It leads me to believe (now?) they are doing similar to other unsuspecting customers and taking some fat....