Car buyers urged to report unauthorised fees
The National Credit Regulator is urging vehicle owners, who were made to pay handling fees or other unexplained costs when making their purchases, to get in touch with it.
It issued a compliance notice this week to another auto giant, saying South Africans who bought vehicles from Volkswagen since 2007 may be eligible for a refund.
It says millions of people have been ripped off by having to pay these so-called handling, admin or on-the-road fees estimated to be between R3000 and R4000.
ALSO READ: Workers strike at Toyota supplier enters fifth day
The NCR's Caroline Young says they've instructed VW to immediately stop charging customers these fees.
"We are encouraging all consumers to step forward to the regulators through our Complaints Department to inform us and to lodge complaints about any of these vehicle financiers that they believe are overcharging them.
"The Act makes specific provision that credit providers must give consumers all the disclosures on their cost of credit prior to entering any credit agreement. It's something that we are mindful and watchful for that it is happening in the industry," she says.