LFS launches toll free, fights impersonators

SEBONGILE MATHE

MASERU – Lesotho Funeral Services (LFS) launched its toll-free number and addressed the issues of the scams by people who claim to be associates of the company. The menace of incorrect information emerged during a press conference that was held in Maseru this week.

LFS Sales and Marketing Manager, Moeketsi Pakisi explained that their clients are being misled by agents from other funeral parlours, who allege that LFS is jointly working with the same funeral parlours. “Our loyal clients in different parts of the country have been victims of this planned scam, where these agents deliberately mislead the same clients into paying their monthly burial premiums, falsely claiming that they are doing so on behalf of LFS,” he said.

Pakisi further showed that what is even more alarming is that the clients are told that by doing so, despite LFS not receiving their monthly premiums, their burial policies within LFS would still be active. Therefore, they appeal to those who are behind this deceitful exercise to stop defrauding their clients. Pakisi added that there is another misconception created by the same people walking around the villages, making false claims to their clients that LFS has ventured into partnership with other mortuaries.

“This practice is intended to mislead our clients into making their payments for monthly burial premiums to other funeral parlours, thereby giving clients the false impression that they will get mortuary services from LFS even if their premiums are paid elsewhere,” added Pakisi. 

He said some of the reports received about these scammers are in areas like Mphorosane and Ha Lejone; the target groups are burial societies from the same communities that have close ties with LFS. “We would like to make it clear to Basotho that there is no partnership of any sort that the LFS has entered into with any funeral parlour.

Responding to this problem, LFS launched its toll-free number 800 800 12 which is part of their main call centre. Pakisi said this initiative will improve the communication channel to make it easier and more affordable for their customers throughout the country who want to conduct business with the company.

LFS was founded in 1969 by Louis Joe Sello to provide compassionate and professional burial services that include repatriation and cremation for grieving families.  It is present in the 10 districts of Lesotho, with a total of 55 branches, including 27 mortuaries.