Quick Code/Menu Answer
Last checked: 26 June 2026
Use WASPA Do Not Contact if you want to add your South African mobile number to WASPA’s Do Not Contact list to reduce direct marketing SMS messages from WASPA members. The official WASPA Do Not Contact routes are: dial *120*69269#, send BLOCK by SMS to 40662, or use the WASPA Do Not Contact lookup page. WASPA says the list works for South African mobile numbers and that WASPA members involved in direct SMS marketing are expected to check the list weekly. (dnc.org.za)
| Task | Code or menu | Use this when |
|---|---|---|
| Check or add your number by USSD | *120*69269# | You want to check whether your number is on the Do Not Contact list |
| Add your number by SMS | SMS BLOCK to 40662 | You want to add your number to the Do Not Contact list |
| Remove your number | SMS UNBLOCK to 40662 | You want to allow direct marketing again |
| Report spam or scam SMS | WASPA spam/scam report route | You are still receiving unsolicited commercial messages |
| Report unwanted billing | WASPA unwanted billing route | You are being charged for WASP services without permission |
Important: WASPA Do Not Contact is not the same as cancelling an active WASP subscription. It is mainly for stopping direct marketing messages. If airtime is disappearing, also check your network’s content-service or subscription menu and use stop WASP subscriptions or report WASP subscription for the next step.
Provider-by-Provider Options
The right option depends on whether your problem is spam, unwanted marketing, or active airtime billing.
| Provider or route | Best for | Current listed option |
|---|---|---|
| WASPA Do Not Contact | Stopping direct marketing SMS from WASPA members | *120*69269# or SMS BLOCK to 40662 |
| WASPA spam/scam report | Reporting unsolicited commercial SMS messages | Use the WASPA spam/scam report route |
| WASPA unwanted billing | Reporting charges for WASP services without permission | Use the WASPA unwanted billing form |
| Cell C | Checking or blocking WASP services on a Cell C SIM | *133*1# |
| MTN | Managing or blocking WASP/content services on MTN | *155# or *141*5# |
| Telkom | Managing or blocking WASP/content services on Telkom | 180 or *179*7867 |
| Vodacom | Viewing, stopping, or blocking content services on Vodacom | *135#, *135*997#, or *117# |
WASPA’s code lookup page lists the current network options above for unsubscribing from or blocking WASP services, and it points users to the Do Not Contact list for unsolicited spam calls or direct marketing messages. (codes.waspa.org.za)
Use WASPA Do Not Contact first if your issue is “stop SMS spam South Africa” or unwanted direct marketing messages.
Use your network’s WASP/content-service menu if your airtime is being deducted, if you received a subscription confirmation, or if your balance keeps dropping after recharging.
Use report WASP subscription if you cannot identify the service, the cancellation does not work, or the billing appears unauthorised.
Use send money scams South Africa if the message asks for a PIN, OTP, banking password, card number, ID document, remote-access app, or money-transfer details.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Confirm what problem you are solving
Before using WASPA Do Not Contact, check whether the issue is:
| Problem | What it usually means | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing SMS messages | A company is sending promotional SMSes | Add your number to WASPA Do Not Contact |
| SMS spam or scam messages | The message may be unsolicited, misleading, or suspicious | Report SMS scams/spam to WASPA |
| Airtime disappearing | A paid service, data usage, premium SMS, or another charge may be active | Check network subscription menus |
| Paid content-service billing | A WASP or premium-rated service may be billing your SIM | Cancel through the network and report if unauthorised |
| Unknown shortcode | The sender or service is unclear | Use WASPA code lookup or report the message |
WASPA says airtime can disappear for more than one reason, including data usage, airtime transfers, competitions, premium-rated services, or WASP subscriptions, so do not assume every airtime deduction is caused by the same issue. (WASPA)
2. Add your number to WASPA Do Not Contact
To use the USSD route:
- Dial
*120*69269#from the mobile number you want to check. - Choose the option to check your Do Not Contact status.
- Follow the prompts to add your number if it is not already listed.
- Save or screenshot any confirmation message.
- Allow time for direct marketing lists to update.
To use the SMS route:
- Open SMS on the phone using the number you want to add.
- Send
BLOCKto40662. - Wait for the confirmation SMS.
- Keep the confirmation message.
WASPA says SMS BLOCK to 40662 adds your number to the DNC list, while SMS UNBLOCK to 40662 removes your number from the list. (dnc.org.za)
3. Check costs before retrying
Do not assume the route is free. WASPA lists USSD access as charged at 20c per 20 seconds, messages to shortcode 40662as billed at up to 50c per message, and replies to confirmation messages as charged at standard subscriber bundle SMS rates. (dnc.org.za)
If you are low on airtime, avoid repeated failed attempts. Try once, check the result, and then use another route if needed.
4. Cancel active subscriptions separately
If airtime is still disappearing after you add your number to WASPA Do Not Contact, check for active content services through your mobile network.
- Dial your network’s WASP or content-service menu.
- Look for active subscriptions, premium-rated services, content services, or WASP services.
- Cancel each active service you do not recognise.
- Block future content-service billing if your network menu offers that option.
- Save the cancellation confirmation.
- Take a screenshot of your airtime balance before and after the next recharge.
WASPA’s unwanted billing route is for users who believe they are being charged for WASP services without permission. WASPA says it will try to make sure the services being charged are cancelled, but that should not be treated as a guaranteed refund or instant reversal. (WASPA)
5. Keep evidence before escalating
If you dispute a charge, keep:
| Evidence | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sender number or shortcode | Helps identify the service or WASPA member |
| Message text | Shows what was offered, promised, or charged |
| Date and time | Helps match billing records |
| Airtime balance screenshots | Shows the deduction pattern |
| Cancellation confirmation | Proves you attempted to stop the service |
| Network reference number | Helps track the case |
| WASPA report reference | Helps if you need to follow up |
Do not delete the SMS until the matter is resolved.
Common Problems and Fixes
The WASPA Do Not Contact code does not work
If *120*69269# fails, check that you typed the code correctly. Then wait and retry once from a stronger signal area. USSD menus can fail because of signal issues, temporary service downtime, SIM restrictions, short session timeouts, or network menu changes.
If the code still does not work, use the SMS route by sending BLOCK to 40662, or use the online lookup route if you have access to data or Wi-Fi.
The SMS does not confirm
If SMS BLOCK to 40662 does not return a confirmation, check whether your SIM can send SMS messages and whether you have enough airtime or SMS bundle balance. Make sure the message says only BLOCK, with no extra words.
If you still do not receive confirmation, try the USSD route or the online lookup route.
Airtime is still disappearing
This is the most important distinction: Do Not Contact blocks direct marketing; it does not automatically cancel every paid subscription.
If airtime is still disappearing:
- Use your network’s content-service menu.
- Cancel active paid services.
- Block future WASP billing if available.
- Ask your network which company is billing you.
- Keep the shortcode, service name, amount, date, and confirmation messages.
- Use report WASP subscription if the billing looks unauthorised.
Spam continues after you joined the list
WASPA members are expected to check the Do Not Contact list weekly, so allow for a short delay after adding your number. If messages continue after that, report the SMS through WASPA’s spam/scam route and include the sender details. (WASPA)
The message says reply STOP, but STOP does not work
Some legitimate marketing messages include a STOP option, but if it fails, do not keep sending repeated messages at your own cost. Save the message, screenshot the sender and date, and report it.
If the message contains a suspicious link, prize claim, loan offer, job offer, refund promise, or request for personal details, do not click the link until you have verified the sender.
You cannot tell whether it is spam or billing
Use this rule:
| What you see | Likely issue | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Promotional SMS only | Direct marketing | WASPA Do Not Contact |
| “Welcome” or “subscription active” SMS | Possible paid service | Network subscription menu |
| Daily or weekly airtime deductions | Possible WASP/content billing or other charge | Network investigation |
| Fake prize, job, loan, or refund message | Possible scam | Do not respond; report safely |
| Unknown shortcode | Needs identification | WASPA code lookup or report route |
Official Support Route
Use the official route that matches the problem.
For direct marketing, add your number to WASPA Do Not Contact.
For SMS spam or scam messages, use WASPA’s report spam/scam route. WASPA says that if the spam was sent by a WASPA member, it will let the member know you want to be removed from its database; if no member is specified, the report may be added to WASPA’s SMS spam database for monitoring and tracking. (WASPA)
For unwanted billing, use the network’s cancellation menu first, then use the WASPA unwanted billing route if you believe the WASP charge was unauthorised. (WASPA)
For a suspected breach of the WASPA Code of Conduct, use the WASPA complaint route. WASPA says its complaint form is for cases where a WASPA member may have acted in breach of the Code. (WASPA)
Related Airtime and Data Guides
Use these next if WASPA Do Not Contact is only part of the problem:
| Related guide | Use it when |
|---|---|
| Stop WASP subscriptions | You need to cancel active content services or block future WASP billing |
| Report WASP subscription | You need to dispute unwanted WASP charges or collect evidence |
| Send money scams South Africa | The message looks like fraud or asks for banking, OTP, PIN, ID, or payment details |
FAQs
What is the code for WASPA Do Not Contact?
The current WASPA Do Not Contact USSD route is *120*69269#. You can also send BLOCK by SMS to 40662 to add your number to the Do Not Contact list. (dnc.org.za)
Does this USSD code need airtime or data?
It does not need mobile data, but it may need airtime. WASPA lists USSD access as charged at 20c per 20 seconds and SMS messages to 40662 as billed at up to 50c per message. (dnc.org.za)
How can users check whether WASPA Do Not Contact is active?
Use the WASPA Do Not Contact lookup route or dial *120*69269# from the number you want to check. If your number is already listed, keep a screenshot or confirmation for your records.
What should users do if airtime is still disappearing after cancellation?
Check your network’s WASP or content-service menu, cancel active paid services, and ask your network to identify the company billing your SIM. Keep screenshots, dates, shortcodes, balance changes, and cancellation confirmations. Then use report WASP subscription if the billing looks unauthorised.
Can users block future content-service subscriptions?
Some network menus include options to block or manage future WASP or content-service billing, but the exact wording can change. Use the network codes listed above and look for options such as subscriptions, content services, premium services, WASP services, unsubscribe, or block.
Can users get a refund for unwanted subscription charges?
A refund is not guaranteed. First cancel the active service, gather evidence, and report the issue through your network or WASPA’s unwanted billing route if you believe the charge was unauthorised. WASPA says it will try to make sure the services being charged are cancelled, but that is not the same as promising a refund. (WASPA)
Where should users report suspicious subscription messages?
Report unsolicited commercial SMS messages through WASPA’s spam/scam route. If the message asks for your PIN, OTP, card number, banking password, ID document, remote-access app, or SIM-swap details, treat it as suspicious and do not reply through the message link.
