Upholding Integrity in Debt Counselling

Cautions Against Misleading Practices Following Tribunal Ruling on Debt Counsellor Misrepresentation.

The National Credit Regulator (NCR) has issued an urgent alert to consumers and the debt counselling industry after a National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) ruling confirmed that a registered debt counsellor engaged in prohibited and misleading practices.

Misleading Consumers is Unacceptable

The Tribunal found that a debt counsellor promoted debt review as a tool for Government Employees to reduce interest rates. Promising vulnerable consumers quick and unrealistic results. These tactics were found to be false, misleading, and prohibited under the National Credit Act 52(5)©

The NCR Circular 07 of 2025 confirms the Tribunal’s findings and highlights the dangers of misleading a consumer, as well as the failure to provide accurate, legal disclosures to consumers.

As a representative of DCASA, I want to state unequivocally: this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated within our ranks.

Our Role as Industry Professionals

Debt counselling exists to protect and rehabilitate consumers, not to exploit their desperation. Misleading promises damage not only the affected consumers, but the credibility of the entire debt review industry.

I call on all DCASA members and registered debt counsellors to:

• Revisit your advertising strategies to ensure full compliance with the NCR’s Advertising Guidelines
• Remove any language that falsely implies that your services are not debt review
• Ensure that clients receive accurate, legally compliant information before signing any agreements

Protecting the Consumer and the Profession

I have to advise that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated. When individuals break our standards, we all suffer and so does the trust consumers place in us.

We urge the public to be cautious.

You can read the NCR’s official consumer alert here:
? NCR Alert: Beware of Misleading and Prohibited Practices

Moving Forward with Integrity

At DCASA, we remain committed to restoring trust in debt counselling and raising the standards of our industry. We will continue to support the NCR’s enforcement efforts and uphold a zero-tolerance policy against unethical behaviour.

Let this ruling serve as a clear warning and a reminder that as debt counsellors, we are stewards of hope and second chances, not opportunists. Let us act accordingly.

Sincerely,
Casper le Grange
Eastern Cape Representative – DCASA
National Executive Member – DCASA
Credit Industry Forum Participant