Moroke Sekoboto
FUNERAL undertakers, Lesotho Funeral Services (LFS), have issued a warning to the public about fraudulent activities by agents from competing funeral parlours who are misleading LFS clients by falsely claiming to represent the company.
The LFS revealed at a press conference that several of its clients had fallen victim to these scams.
The company’s Marketing Manager, Moeketsi Pakisi, said its loyal clients across different parts of the country had been targeted by these deceptive agents. These agents falsely claim that they are collecting monthly burial premiums on behalf of LFS, directing the payments to other funeral parlours instead.
“We are here today to inform the Basotho nation, particularly our clients, of a disturbing new scam. Agents from other funeral parlours are falsely claiming that LFS is working with them, leading our clients to believe that their burial policies with LFS remain active even when premiums are paid elsewhere,” Mr Pakisi said.
He urged those involved in these deceitful practices to stop defrauding LFS clients and encouraged affected clients to report such incidents to the relevant authorities.
“We want to make it clear that LFS has not entered into any partnership with other funeral parlours,” Mr Pakisi said.
He further noted that LFS operates 27 mortuary facilities across the country and had no need to collaborate with funeral parlours lacking proper infrastructure in other parts of Lesotho.
“The fraudulent practices have negatively impacted clients, as LFS cannot provide services to those with lapsed burial policies due to the scams.”
Mr Pakisi urged affected clients to update their monthly premiums to avoid further inconvenience.
The LFS Chief Executive Officer, ‘Maliteboho Mohlakoana, announced that the company had initiated a data validation process in early August 2024 to maintain accurate and up-to-date customer information.
“The purpose of updating client information is to enable LFS to automate support processes aimed at improving customer service,” Ms Mohlakoana said.
She urged all clients to verify their personal information with LFS to ensure accuracy.
“We believe that through the media, our clients will respond to our call by visiting the nearest LFS branches with their National Identity Documents (ID), the IDs of their dependents, birth certificates of minors (for dependents under 18 years), policy number, and cell phone number,” Ms Mohlakoana added.
She said LFS had enhanced its communication channels to reach clients in remote areas, allowing them to submit required documents via the new WhatsApp number, 6210 0012. The deadline for submitting this information is 31st October 2024.
In addition, LFS Customer Service Manager, Nontsikelelo Thokoana, announced the launch of a new toll-free number, 800 800 12, as part of LFS’s commitment to improving customer service.
“This initiative will make it easier and more affordable for our customers to communicate with LFS,” Ms Thokoana said.
