It is standard practice of many financial service providers, in South Africa, at least to state on the bottom of their statement, something along the lines of:
Kindly check your statement and advise us of any incorrect entries within 30 (thirty) days of statement.
or
Unless a query is raised in respect of the contents of this bill within30 days from the date thereof, the contents shall be deemed to be correct.
They purport to say that after 30 days, you deem your charges correct and that no further action can be taken. Our customers have asked us for proof of delivery documents going back years related to billing and we comply - we like our customers.
I found a billing error that goes back quite some time and when raised, I was told that they are unable to pay due to the above clause. It is a very big corporate, so cashflow ($200) is unlikely to be the issue here.
In South Africa, prescription law notes that 3 (three) years is the limit with any debt - mostly. Not exactly in line, but same should apply.
As a friend mentioned, I can put anything I want on a statement to a customer, doesn't mean it is legal.
Is there any legal grounds in what they are saying, or are they taking a chance? Do I have legal grounds, as essentially I WAS overbilled.
