Last checked: 26 June 2026.
If you need to report WASP subscription billing, start by checking whether your number has an active content service, then stop or block the service through your mobile network. After that, report the billing to WASPA if you believe the subscription was added without permission.
There is no single universal South African USSD code that reports every WASP subscription. The correct route depends on your network and whether you want to cancel an active service, block future content billing, report unwanted billing, or lodge a formal WASPA complaint.
WASPA says airtime deductions can come from WASP services, data usage, premium-rated numbers, airtime transfers, or USSD usage, so confirm the source of the charge before opening a complaint. (WASPA)
Quick Code/Menu Answer
| Need | Best route | Use this when |
|---|---|---|
| Stop an active WASP subscription | Use your network’s content-services menu | Airtime is disappearing and you want the billing stopped first |
| Block future WASP/content billing | Use your network’s block option where available | You do not want new content-service subscriptions added to the number |
| Report unauthorised WASP billing | Use WASPA’s unwanted billing route | You believe you were billed for WASP services without permission |
| Lodge a formal complaint | Use the WASPA complaints form | You believe a WASPA member breached the WASPA Code of Conduct |
| Stop SMS marketing | Use WASPA Do Not Contact | You want to reduce direct SMS marketing from WASPA members |
WASPA’s unwanted billing form is for users who are being charged for WASP services without permission. WASPA says it will try to make sure the services being charged are cancelled, but this should not be treated as a guaranteed refund or instant reversal. (WASPA)
Provider-by-Provider Options
Use the route for the SIM card where the airtime is disappearing.
| Network | Checked code/menu route | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Cell C | Dial *133*1# | WASPA lists this USSD string to block existing and future content billing. (WASPA) |
| MTN | Dial *141*5#, then choose Content Services | WASPA lists this route to check, manage, view, or cancel subscription services. (WASPA) |
| MTN premium-rated services | Dial *155# | WASPA lists this route for blocking or managing premium-rated service charges and third-party messages. (WASPA) |
| Telkom | Use the Telkom app or Self-Service portal, then manage subscriptions/content services | Telkom lists app and self-service steps for managing subscriptions, and WASPA also lists Telkom app routes for blocking WASP subscriptions. (Telkom) (WASPA) |
| Vodacom | Dial *135*997# | Vodacom says this route lets users view, cancel, stop all, or block content services. (Vodacom) |
| Vodacom SMS option | SMS STOP ALL to 31050 | WASPA lists this as a Vodacom option for stopping WASP services. (WASPA) |
These routes are for checking, cancelling, or blocking content services. If you want to dispute money already deducted, go to WASP refund South Africa. If your issue is unwanted SMS marketing rather than billing, go to WASPA Do Not Contact.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Check whether the charge is really a WASP subscription
Before you report a WASP subscription, confirm what is being billed. Check your SMS inbox for welcome messages, subscription reminders, daily charge messages, shortcodes, or cancellation confirmations. WASPA also recommends asking your mobile operator to stop services that are being billed and using the network tools to cancel subscription services. (WASPA)
Ask your network for:
| Detail to request | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Service name | Helps identify the subscription |
| WASP or provider name | Helps when reporting to WASPA |
| Shortcode or sender ID | Helps prove which service billed you |
| Charge amount and dates | Helps show the pattern of deductions |
| Cancellation or block status | Confirms whether the billing should stop |
| Reference number | Useful if you escalate the case |
2. Stop or block the subscription first
If airtime is still being deducted, stop the active subscription before spending time on a complaint. On Vodacom, for example, Vodacom says users can dial *135*997# to view content services, cancel a specific service, stop all content services, or block future content-services purchases. (Vodacom)
For MTN, WASPA lists *141*5# for checking and managing content services, with options to view or cancel subscriptions and manage premium-rated services. WASPA also lists *155# for blocking premium-rated service charges and stopping third-party messages. (WASPA)
For Cell C, WASPA lists *133*1# to block existing and future content billing. For Telkom, WASPA lists the Telkom app path under My Products, Manage, Protect Your Mobile Number, and Content Services, while Telkom’s own Direct Carrier Billing page says subscriptions can be managed through the Telkom Mobile App or Self-Service portal. (WASPA) (Telkom)
3. Keep evidence before you escalate
Do not delete messages or screenshots too quickly. Keep proof of:
| Evidence | Example |
|---|---|
| Airtime balance | Screenshot before and after the deduction |
| Subscription SMS | Welcome message, renewal message, shortcode, or sender name |
| Cancellation attempt | USSD screenshot, SMS reply, app screenshot, or case number |
| Billing pattern | Dates, amounts, and times of deductions |
| Network response | Reference number or written confirmation |
| WASPA submission | Complaint or unwanted billing reference if provided |
This evidence helps separate a WASP billing issue from data usage, recurring bundles, premium SMS, or other airtime deductions.
4. Report unwanted billing to WASPA
Use WASPA’s unwanted billing route when you believe you are being charged for WASP services without permission. WASPA’s form asks whether you know who is billing you, whether you have partial information, or whether you need help finding out who is billing you. (WASPA)
This is the most relevant route when the main issue is unauthorised billing. It is different from a general network support query and different from a formal WASPA complaint.
5. Lodge a WASPA complaint only when it fits
A WASPA complaint is not always the fastest route. WASPA says users who simply want to report SMS spam or unwanted billing will usually get a quicker response by using those dedicated forms instead. The formal complaint process is more rigorous and can take longer. (WASPA)
Use the formal complaint route when you believe a WASPA member acted against the WASPA Code of Conduct. WASPA says most complaints are first handled through an informal process where the member has five days to resolve the matter directly with the complainant. More serious or escalated matters may move to a formal process with evidence reviewed by an independent adjudicator. (WASPA)
WASPA Complaint vs Network Support
| Route | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Network support | Finding active subscriptions, stopping billing, applying blocks, getting billing details | Usually the first step when airtime is still disappearing |
| WASPA unwanted billing | Reporting WASP charges you believe were not authorised | Best route for unwanted WASP billing after collecting evidence |
| WASPA formal complaint | Alleged breach of the WASPA Code of Conduct | More detailed process; may take longer |
| WASPA Do Not Contact | Reducing direct SMS marketing from WASPA members | Helps with marketing messages, not necessarily past billing |
| ICASA | Complaints against telecoms providers after service-provider escalation | ICASA says content services billing, SMS spamming, and WASP complaints should be directed to WASPA. (ICASA) |
WASPA says it can help with SMS spam by WASPA members, unwanted billing, and complaints involving WASPA members. It also says it cannot help with general mobile phone bill issues that do not involve WASP services, and it cannot handle complaints against the mobile networks themselves. (WASPA)
Common Problems and Fixes
The code does not work
Check that you are using the code for the correct network. A Vodacom code will not manage subscriptions on an MTN, Cell C, or Telkom SIM. If the USSD menu opens but the wording has changed, look for options such as Content Services, Subscriptions, VAS, Add to Bill, Premium Services, Stop All, Block, or Unblock.
If the code still fails, try the network app, self-service portal, or customer support route instead of repeatedly retrying the same USSD session.
The menu shows no active subscriptions
If the content-services menu shows nothing active but airtime still disappears, do not assume the issue is solved. Check data usage, out-of-bundle browsing, recurring bundles, premium-rated numbers, airtime transfers, and USSD charges. WASPA lists several non-WASP causes of disappearing airtime. (WASPA)
Airtime keeps disappearing after cancellation
If airtime is still disappearing after you cancel:
- Take a screenshot of the cancellation confirmation.
- Check the content-services menu again.
- Ask the network for a billing breakdown.
- Check whether mobile data is using airtime.
- Keep all deduction amounts and dates.
- Report unwanted billing to WASPA if the charges still appear to be WASP-related and unauthorised.
Do not promise yourself or the recipient of the SIM that a refund will happen automatically. Use WASP refund South Africa for the dispute route.
You receive subscription SMS messages you do not recognise
Do not click links in suspicious messages. Do not share banking PINs, OTPs, app passwords, card details, ID documents, or selfie verification images through an SMS link or unknown WhatsApp number.
If the message is spam or a scam rather than a billing issue, use the WASPA spam/scam route instead of the unwanted billing form. WASPA separates SMS spam, unwanted billing, and formal complaints into different routes. (WASPA)
You are not sure whether to use WASPA or the network
Use the network first when you need to stop billing, block content services, or get a billing breakdown. Use WASPA when the issue involves unwanted WASP billing, SMS spam, or a possible Code of Conduct breach by a WASPA member. ICASA’s consumer complaints guidance also says complaints about content-services billing, SMS spamming, and wireless application services should be directed to WASPA. (ICASA)
You want to block future marketing messages
Use WASPA Do Not Contact if your main problem is direct SMS marketing. WASPA’s Do Not Contact page says the list is for protection against SMS spam and shows pricing for its own routes, including USSD access and messages to shortcode 40662. (dnc.org.za)
Related Airtime and Data Guides
Use these related guides for the next step:
- WASP refund South Africa — use this if you want to dispute charges or understand the refund investigation route.
- WASPA Do Not Contact — use this if the problem is unwanted SMS marketing.
- Stop WASP subscriptions — use this for the broader guide to checking, cancelling, and blocking WASP services.
- Cancel subscription USSD code South Africa — use this for general subscription cancellation routes beyond WASP billing.
FAQ
What is the code for report WASP subscription?
There is no single universal code that reports every WASP subscription across all South African networks. Use your network’s content-services route to check, cancel, or block the service first. Then use WASPA’s unwanted billing route if you believe you were charged without permission.
How can users check whether a WASP subscription is active?
Check your network’s content-services, subscriptions, VAS, Add to Bill, or premium-services menu. Also check your SMS inbox for welcome messages, renewal reminders, sender IDs, shortcodes, and cancellation confirmations.
Does this USSD code need airtime or data?
USSD usually does not require mobile data, but do not assume every route is free. WASPA’s Do Not Contact page lists charges for its own USSD and SMS options, so check the current provider page or menu before using a chargeable route. (dnc.org.za)
What should I do if the code does not work?
Check that you are using the correct network’s route, restart your phone, confirm signal, and try once more. If it still fails, use the network app, self-service portal, or customer support channel. Keep evidence if airtime is still being deducted.
What should users do if airtime is still disappearing after cancellation?
Check whether another service is active, whether mobile data is using airtime, or whether another recurring charge is running. Ask your network for a billing breakdown and keep proof of the cancellation. If the charge appears to be unauthorised WASP billing, use WASP refund South Africa for the dispute route.
Can users block future content-service subscriptions?
Yes, some networks provide blocking options. WASPA lists Cell C’s *133*1#, MTN’s *141*5# and *155# routes, Telkom app options, and Vodacom content-service blocking routes. (WASPA)
Can users get a refund for unwanted subscription charges?
A refund is not guaranteed. Keep proof of the deductions, the service name, the shortcode, the cancellation attempt, and any network reference number. Then contact the network or provider and escalate through WASPA where appropriate.
Where should users report suspicious subscription messages?
Report suspicious SMS spam or scam messages through the correct WASPA spam/scam route. Do not click unsafe links, and never share OTPs, banking PINs, passwords, card details, or ID documents through a message link.