If you’re on a blacklist, it means your name and contact details have been passed around to other companies by one of the credit reference agencies. This can happen if you defaulted on payments, if your account was closed after fraudulent activity or if there has been a mistake with your credit file. Keep reading for tips on how to check if your name is blacklisted in South Africa and what happens if you are.
What happens if you are blacklisted?
Once you’re blacklisted, you won’t be able to get a loan. Your credit rating will be affected, and the chances of being refused any kind of loan increase significantly. You may also face problems when renting an apartment or house, as landlords can use blacklisting as a reason not to rent out their property.
If they blacklisted you in South Africa, it is important that you check whether this is indeed the case. This is because if your name has been added to a list of people who are considered “bad risks” for financial purposes, then there’s no way around it: You will find it extremely difficult (if not impossible) to get credit cards or personal loans from any bank operating in SA – including Nedbank or Absa Bank two of the biggest players in the banking industry here!
How to check if you are blacklisted
- If you bank with a local bank, go to your branch and ask them if they have a blacklist database.
- Call the National Credit Regulator on 011 712-0000 or email info@ncr.org.za
- Check whether any of your names appear on one of their lists on their website at www.ncrcorp.co.za or call them directly on 011 712-0000.
- Contact the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) by phone at 011 410 0000, or send an email to saiainfo@saiaonline.co.za
- The South African Bureau for Standardisation and Certification has its own blacklist database and can be contacted by phone at 086 800 5500, or by emailing enquiries@sabsciencesa.co
Never assume that you’re not blacklisted. It’s essential to check
You can check if they blacklisted you on the National Credit Regulator website, or with banks and other lenders directly. If a creditor finds out that you are blacklisted, they’ll deny access to certain financial privileges and services for a period of up to 7 years after default (for example, being late paying off an account).
Conclusion
In conclusion, blacklisting can be a very serious problem and it is important to check your status regularly. If you are blacklisted, there are ways to remove yourself from the list. However, this process can take time so it’s best to check if there’s anything on record before attempting any sort of removal operation.
