Debt Review Removal: How to Safely Exit and Avoid Scams

Long answer:

After a court/tribunal order has confirmed your debt review, the only lawful way to exit is via a Debt Review Clearance Certificate (Form 19) issued by a registered Debt Counsellor once you meet the legal criteria (often after repaying all debts in the order or meeting the “mortgage-only” route). Your debt counsellor then notifies the credit bureaux to remove the “under debt review” flag. Beware of anyone offering “quick removals” or “admin deletions”, that’s a red flag for scams.

What does “debt review removal” actually mean?

“Removal” means your debt-review indicator at the credit bureaus is expunged after your debt counsellor issues Form 19 and files it with the credit bureaus /NCR systems. The certificate is the legal trigger; bureau admin updates typically follow within several business weeks, always verify by pulling your latest credit reports. 

Key point: The NCR does not remove you, your registered Debt Counsellor issues Form 19 (once you qualify), and the notice to bureaux flows from there.

Lawful routes to exit debt review

You’re eligible for Form 19 when one of the Section 71 routes applies (summarised):

1. All obligations under the order are paid up. Your DC reconciles statements/paid-up letters and issues Form 19 within 7 days. 

2. Mortgage-only remains and you can afford it going forward (all short-term debts settled). DC must be satisfied on affordability and compliance, then issues Form 19.

3. Limited legal scenarios (e.g., you’re no longer over-indebted per a court outcome before finalisation). Get legal advice, this doesn’t replace Form 19 where a court order already exists. 

Not allowed: “Voluntary withdrawal” after a court order, or paying a third party to “delete” the flag without Form 19. 

Step-by-step: Safe debt review removal

1. Finish what your order requires. Keep paying via the PDA until balances are confirmed.

2. Collect confirmations. Ask creditors for paid-up/zero-balance letters (your DC/PDA can help). 

3. DC verification. Your DC reconciles distribution statements, confirms legal criteria.

4. Form 19 issued (≤7 days). DC signs and issues the certificate once criteria are met. 

5. Bureaux notified. DC sends Form 19 to credit bureaux/NCR system for flag removal. The debt review removal process typically takes up to 21 business days. Once your debts are cleared and a clearance certificate (Form 19) is issued, it is sent to credit bureaus like TransUnion, Experian, and XDS, which then update your credit profile.

6. Verify removal. Pull your reports after a few weeks; if the flag remains, ask your DC to re-send and lodge a bureau dispute attaching Form 19. 

“Instant debt review removal” offers: how scams work (and how to avoid them)

Scammers promise to “clear you today”, “cancel debt review in 48 hours”, or “remove the flag without your counsellor”, for a fee. They are not authorised to do so and often vanish after payment, leaving you still listed and now out of pocket. Reputable bodies (e.g., DCASA) and consumer media have warned repeatedly about these schemes. 

Red flags:

• “NCR can remove you on request” / “We bypass your debt counsellor” (false).

• You can exit debt review after termination (false) Debt Review Terminated? (remedies)

• Personal Account Payments: Legitimate debt counsellors never request payment to personal accounts. Always verify the payment methods.

• Immediate Promises: Quick guarantees of debt review removal without following legal processes are highly suspicious.

• Unsolicited Communications: Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or messages offering rapid debt review removal services.

• Payment demanded before any check of your court order or PDA statements.

• No verifiable NCRDC number; pressure tactics over WhatsApp only.

• Claims they can delete a Section 129 default process or court judgment “from the system”. (They can’t.) 

What to do if you’re approached:

• Ask for the NCRDC number and verify registration; if none, walk away.

• Report the ad to your DC and, if appropriate, the NCR/DCASA. 

Can I leave debt review early?

• Yes, but only lawfully. If you’re no longer over-indebted and there’s no confirmed order, your attorney/DC may explore a court route. If a court/tribunal order already exists, the recognised exit is Form 19 on completion/eligibility, not “quick removals.” 

• Don’t default to force an exit. Missed payments can trigger s86(10) terminations and enforcement (s129 leads to litigation), making matters worse. Missed a Debt Review Payment?

If your credit bureau flag doesn’t fall off (after Form 19)

1. Email your DC with your latest credit reports; ask them to re-notify any bureau still showing the flag.

2. Log a bureau dispute and attach Form 19.

3. Escalate via your DC to the NCR if the issue persists (keep a paper trail).

Comparison: Safe exit vs. scam “removal”

FAQs

Who removes the “under debt review” flag?
Your Debt Counsellor, by issuing Form 19 and notifying the bureaux/NCR systems. The NCR does not manually remove you.  Debt review removal is a straightforward administrative process. At Debt Sage, we charge an administrative fee of R1,450 (excluding VAT) for completing this process.

How long until my reports update?
Form 19 is the trigger; admin changes at the credit bureaus typically take several business weeks. Verify and follow up if needed. 

Can I exit without paying everything?
If only your mortgage remains and you can afford it, your DC may lawfully issue Form 19 (mortgage-only route). Otherwise, you usually need to complete what the order requires. 

Is a Section 129 notice the same as removal?
No. s129 is a default notice before litigation; it has nothing to do with removing the review flag. Don’t ignore s129, seek help immediately. 

Action checklist (do this now)

• Ask your DC for a finish-line plan: paid-up letters needed, expected date for Form 19.

• Keep PDA statements—they speed up reconciliation. 

• After Form 19, pull reports and save PDFs. If any bureau still shows the flag, email your DC and lodge a bureau dispute with the certificate attached. 

• Ignore “instant removal” offers. Verify NCRDC numbers; report suspicious ads. 

Legitimate Debt Review Removal Process

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide on how your DC legitimately completes your debt review removal:

1. Application Submission: Complete and submit the debt review removal application form.

2. Credit Assessment: Your debt counsellor verifies your accounts have been fully settled by reviewing your credit report.

3. Obtaining Paid-Up Letters: Secure confirmation letters from your creditors indicating debts have been paid.

4. Updating NCR Database: Your status is updated on the NCR Debt Help System.

5. Issuing Clearance Certificate: Your debt counsellor generates and certifies Form 19 (clearance certificate).

6. Notifying Credit Providers: Send the certified Form 19 to all creditors.

7. Credit Bureau Notification: Forward the clearance certificate and paid-up letters to all major credit bureaus for credit profile updates.

Applying for Credit After Removal

After your debt review status is cleared, you can re-enter the credit market. This usually takes about 21 business days from the date your clearance certificate is submitted. It’s crucial to apply the budgeting and financial management skills learned during debt counselling to avoid future debt issues.

Steps to Take if Scammed

If you become a victim of a debt review removal scam, act immediately:

• Immediate Reporting: Inform your bank and freeze your accounts to limit damage.

• Notify Authorities: Contact law enforcement and the NCR.

• Raise Awareness: Inform others to prevent further victimization.

Essential Reminders

• A clearance certificate is only issued after all debts are settled.

• Clearance certificates must be issued within seven working days after final payment.

• Credit bureaus typically update your profile within 21 business days.

• Legitimate debt review removal is cost-effective and safer than attempting illegal or unauthorized methods.

Ready to exit safely?

For reliable, professional assistance, contact Debt Sage. Our registered debt counsellors are ready to guide you through the debt review removal process, providing clarity, security, and peace of mind. Stay vigilant, informed, and safe throughout your journey to financial freedom.

Share your last PDA statement and any paid-up letters. We will confirm eligibility, request missing confirmations, and schedule your Form 19, the legal path to removal

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