NCR hits errant credit providers

National Credit Regulator (NCR) has bared its teeth against this practice by issuing Compliance Notices to 14 credit providers listed below for contravening certain provisions of the National Credit Act, in particular the retention of borrowers' bank cards, pension cards, identity documents and/or pin codes.

The practice of retaining borrowers' bankcards, pension cards and/or pin codes has been prohibited in terms of the Exemption Notice and the National Credit Act also prohibits these practices under Section 9(2) (l) and 91(b).

Peter Setou, Senior Manager for Education & Strategy at the NCR says in addressing the areas of non-compliance, the credit providers are required to return all bankcards and pension cards that are in their possession to all borrowers and to destroy all records of pin numbers and auto teller access information in their possession.

Setou adds that in the case of AA Cash Loans, the Compliance Notice dealt with the practice of requiring or demanding that borrowers sign blank process documents before borrowers defaults with payments.

This practice is prohibited in terms of section 90 (k) (iii) of the National Credit Act. AA Cash Loans has been notified to refrain from demanding that borrowers sign blank process documents before a debt is due and payable and to destroy such documents which are in its possession.

According to Setou, the credit providers have 15 business days to lodge their objections with the National Consumer Tribunal in respect of these Compliance Notices.

Failure to comply with the notices will result in the matters being referred to the National Consumer Tribunal and the National Prosecuting Authority, which may institute legal action resulting in criminal prosecution.

Credit providers who retain bankcards and personal information numbers, or pension cards or identity documents should take note that the NCR will take harsh action against such contraventions.

The list of the 14 credit providers on which Compliance Notices have been served.