Manage Vriendenloterij

How to cancel vriendenloterij and stop recurring lottery charges

What is vriendenloterij and why people cancel

Vriendenloterij is a Dutch subscription-based lottery that operates across Europe, including for South African participants. You commit to regular draws, pay recurring fees, and enter a chance to win prizes, with proceeds supporting charitable organisations. Many people subscribe expecting occasional fun but later decide the recurring costs don't align with their budget or expectations.

Is vriendenloterij legitimate

Yes, Vriendenloterij is a licensed and regulated lottery operator in the Netherlands. It is not a scam. However, Stopee has tracked numerous complaints from South African users about difficulty cancelling subscriptions, unexpected recurring charges continuing after attempted cancellations, and slow customer service responses. Legitimacy does not guarantee a frictionless cancellation experience.

Why south africans struggle to cancel

The main friction points are that cancellation requires either Dutch language navigation on their website, phone calls to Netherlands-based numbers, or postal letters sent internationally. Many users report that online cancellation attempts loop back or fail silently, leaving them unsure whether their request registered. This is not accidental design; it reflects how many European subscription services prioritise retention over exit clarity.

Your consumer rights as a south african participant

Protection under the protection of personal information act (POPIA)

Under South Africa's POPIA, you have the right to request deletion of your personal data and to object to direct marketing communications. When you cancel with Vriendenloterij, explicitly state that you want your data deleted or that you object to future marketing. Write this request clearly in your cancellation letter or note it when calling. Stopee recommends keeping a copy of this request for your records.

Chargeback rights and payment disputes

If Vriendenloterij continues charging your card or bank account after you cancel, you have the right to dispute those charges with your bank or card issuer. South African banking regulations allow you to reverse unauthorised or incorrectly processed recurring payments. Document every cancellation attempt with dates, confirmation numbers, and any email or letter references. Your bank will ask for proof that you cancelled and that charges continued regardless.

Cancellation methods: which option works best for you

Overview of your choices

Vriendenloterij offers four main cancellation routes. Your choice depends on your comfort level with language barriers, willingness to make international calls, and risk tolerance. Stopee has ranked these by reliability based on user reports from South Africa.

Online cancellation via mijn VriendenLoterij (highest speed, variable success)

The fastest option is to cancel directly on the Vriendenloterij website via your personal account portal. This method works instantly if it succeeds, but many users report the web interface loops, times out, or displays error messages without clear feedback. Language can be Dutch or English depending on your account settings.

Telephone cancellation via netherlands customer service (direct but challenging)

You can call Vriendenloterij's Dutch customer service team directly. The phone numbers are 088-020 10 57 or 088-020 10 20 (both Netherlands numbers, so expect international call charges). Expect long hold times, particularly during peak hours. A staff member can confirm cancellation in real time, but the language barrier and cost of an international call may frustrate you.

Postal cancellation via registered mail (slowest but documented)

You can send a signed, cancellation letter to Vriendenloterij's member services address via registered mail (tracked and signed-for). This method leaves a clear paper trail and proof of delivery, which is valuable if you later need to dispute a chargeback. However, postal delivery from South Africa to the Netherlands typically takes 2-4 weeks, and processing times add another 1-2 weeks.

Third-party cancellation services (convenience plus guarantee)

Services such as Dyme, Moneytoring, or Opzeggen.nl specialise in cancelling European subscriptions on behalf of international users. They send registered cancellation letters in Dutch, often faster than posting yourself, and many offer money-back guarantees if cancellation fails. These services cost between EUR 5-15 per cancellation but eliminate language and international mailing friction. Stopee recommends these services if you value peace of mind and certainty.

Step-by-step: how to cancel online via mijn VriendenLoterij

This is the fastest method if the website cooperates. Follow these steps exactly; small formatting errors can cause the system to reject your request.

1. Open your web browser and go to the official Vriendenloterij website (vriendenloterij.nl or the portal link from your account email).
   • Do not use email links from old newsletters; log in fresh each time to avoid session issues.
2. Click "Inloggen" (Login) or "My Account" and enter your email address and password.
   • If you forgot your password, reset it first via the "Wachtwoord vergeten" link.
   • Allow 5-10 minutes for the password reset email to arrive.
3. Once logged into Mijn VriendenLoterij, look for a menu option labelled "Mijn abonnement" (My subscription), "Instellingen" (Settings), or "Account".
   • This location varies by interface version; scroll down or check a "More" menu if needed.
4. Locate your ticket number and click the option to "Opzeggen" (Cancel) or "Cancellation request".
   • Your ticket number appears near the top of your account dashboard. Write this number down before starting; you will need it confirmed.
5. Enter your ticket number exactly as it appears, with no hyphens, spaces, or extra characters.
   • Warning: Incorrect formatting is the single most common reason cancellations fail silently. If your ticket is "ABC-123456", type "ABC123456".
6. Select your cancellation reason from the dropdown menu (optional) and confirm.
   • You do not need to explain; a simple "No longer wish to participate" is enough.
7. Review the confirmation message carefully. You should see text confirming your cancellation is processed or pending.
   • Pro tip: Take a screenshot or save this page. If charges continue, this is your proof of attempt.
8. Wait 1-3 business days and check your account to confirm the subscription status has changed to "Geannuleerd" (Cancelled).
   • If status remains unchanged, the system did not process your request. Move to telephone or postal cancellation immediately.

Step-by-step: how to cancel by telephone from south africa

This method confirms cancellation verbally and is useful if the online method fails. Note that you will call an international number and may incur long-distance charges.

1. Dial +31 88-020 10 57 or +31 88-020 10 20 from any South African phone line.
   • The +31 is the Netherlands international dialling code. Use this format if calling from a mobile or landline in South Africa.
   • Avoid calling during Dutch public holidays; check a Netherlands holiday calendar online.
2. Listen to the automated menu in Dutch. Press the number corresponding to "English" if available, or wait for an operator.
   • If no English option exists, stay on the line; many staff speak English, though response times vary.
3. When an operator answers, speak clearly and say: "I want to cancel my Vriendenloterij subscription" and give your ticket number.
   • Example: "Good morning, I want to cancel my subscription. My ticket number is ABC123456."
4. Provide the operator with your full name, address, and ticket number exactly as registered.
   • The operator will verify your identity and confirm your subscription details on file.
5. Ask the operator to confirm cancellation verbally and request a confirmation reference number.
   • Pro tip: Write down this reference number immediately. It is your proof of cancellation if disputes arise later.
6. Ask when the cancellation will take effect (usually the next draw or end of the current billing cycle).
   • Confirm you will not be charged again after this date.
7. End the call and, within the same day, send a follow-up email to Vriendenloterij customer service (find the address on their website) referencing your conversation and confirmation number.
   • This email creates a written record to accompany the phone call.

Step-by-step: how to cancel by registered postal mail

This method is slowest but creates undeniable proof of your cancellation request. Use this if online or telephone methods have failed.

1. Obtain the current Vriendenloterij member services postal address from their website or latest account statement.
   • Addresses can change; do not use an old envelope. The mailing address typically reads something like "Vriendenloterij, Afdeling Opzeggingen, [Netherlands address]".
2. Write a clear, signed cancellation letter on plain paper or printed from a template. Include the following details:
   • Today's date.
   • Your full legal name (as registered with Vriendenloterij).
   • Your full South African address.
   • Your Vriendenloterij ticket number.
   • Your bank account number or the last four digits of the card charged.
   • A simple statement: "I hereby request cancellation of my Vriendenloterij subscription effective immediately. Please confirm cancellation in writing within 14 days."
   • Your signature at the bottom.
3. Do not send original bank or card details; use only the last four digits.
   • Warning: Never email sensitive financial information. Post only via registered mail.
4. Place the letter in an envelope and address it clearly to the Vriendenloterij member services postal address (Netherlands).
   • Write "REGISTERED MAIL" or equivalent on the envelope in large letters.
5. Go to your local South African post office (South African Post Office or a certified courier) and send the letter via registered international mail (tracked and signed-for).
   • Ask for a tracking receipt or proof of posting. Keep this receipt; you will need it to prove you sent the letter.
6. Note the tracking number on your copy of the letter. Expect 2-4 weeks for delivery to the Netherlands and another 1-2 weeks for processing.
   • Pro tip: Set a reminder to follow up if you do not receive written cancellation confirmation within 3 weeks of sending the letter.
7. Monitor your bank account for charges during this period. If a charge appears after your postal cancellation date, note the date and amount for a potential chargeback claim.

What happens after you cancel

Subscription status and final charges

Once Vriendenloterij processes your cancellation, future recurring payments should stop. However, cancellation does not refund entries already paid for in closed draws. If your cancellation takes effect mid-billing cycle, you may or may not receive a prorated refund, depending on their policy and your payment method.

Your personal data and marketing communications

After cancellation, explicitly request deletion of your personal data or opt out of marketing emails. Include this request in your cancellation letter or email. Under POPIA, Vriendenloterij must honour this request within 20 business days. Stopee advises keeping a copy of this request because personal data deletion can take time.

Confirmation and follow-up

Within 1-3 weeks, you should receive written cancellation confirmation via email or post. If you do not receive this confirmation, contact Vriendenloterij immediately using a different method to verify your cancellation went through. Do not assume silence means cancellation.

Will vriendenloterij refund you

Official refund policy and cooling-off periods

Vriendenloterij does not publish a clear 14-day cooling-off period or automatic refund policy for lottery subscriptions. Refunds are rare and typically not guaranteed. Any refund depends on the timing of your cancellation relative to upcoming draws and your payment terms.

When you might receive a refund

If you cancel before a draw date and your payment has not yet been processed for that draw, Vriendenloterij may refund the unspent amount. If you have already paid for an upcoming draw, that payment is generally non-refundable. Always ask Vriendenloterij specifically whether a refund is possible for your cancellation date.

Disputing charges after cancellation

If charges continue after you cancel, do not ignore them. Contact your bank or card issuer immediately and request a chargeback or dispute. Provide your bank with proof of cancellation (confirmation number, screenshot, or postal receipt). Your bank can reverse unauthorised charges within 30-90 days of the transaction, depending on South African banking law.

Pricing and what you pay

Vriendenloterij subscription costs

Vriendenloterij charges are quoted in euros (EUR), not South African rands (ZAR). Typical costs range from EUR 14.50 to EUR 16 per draw, billed monthly or per draw depending on your ticket type. Your exact cost depends on which draw package you selected during signup. Check your latest bank statement or account dashboard for your current rate.

Currency conversion and bank charges

Because Vriendenloterij charges in euros, your bank will convert the amount to ZAR at its current exchange rate. You may also incur a small international transaction fee (typically 1-2% of the charge). These fees are set by your bank, not Vriendenloterij, but they add to the true cost of your subscription.

Common mistakes when cancelling and how to avoid them

You are not alone if your first cancellation attempt fails. Vriendenloterij's systems are designed in ways that catch even careful users off guard.

Formatting your ticket number incorrectly

The most common mistake is entering your ticket number with hyphens, spaces, or letters in the wrong case. If your ticket is "NL-ABC-123456", try "NLABC123456" or "ABC123456" depending on what the online form accepts. Test each variation; the system will reject incorrect formats silently and let you think cancellation succeeded when it did not.

Cancelling from a phone number the company does not recognise

If you call from a South African number, some automated systems may not recognise the dialling code or route you to the wrong department. Always dial +31 88-020 10 57 explicitly and be patient if routed through multiple menus. Speak slowly and clearly; language barriers are real.

Assuming silence means success

If you cancel online and see no confirmation message, do not assume the system processed your request. Check your account status 1-2 business days later. If the status still shows "Active", your cancellation did not register, and you must try again or use a different method.

Forgetting to request data deletion

Many people cancel but never ask Vriendenloterij to delete their personal data or stop marketing emails. Under POPIA, you have the right to make this request. Include it explicitly in your cancellation letter or email, or you may receive unwanted communications indefinitely.

Not keeping proof of cancellation

Screenshots, confirmation numbers, and postal receipts are your only ammunition if charges continue after cancellation. Keep these documents for at least six months. Without proof, your bank may refuse your chargeback request.

Comparison: which cancellation method suits you best

Checklist: confirm your cancellation is complete

Use this checklist to verify that Vriendenloterij has truly cancelled your subscription.

• Confirmation message or email received within 2-3 business days? (Check spam folder.)
• Your account status changed to "Geannuleerd" (Cancelled) on the website?
• No charges appeared on your bank statement 7-10 days after cancellation?
• Data deletion request submitted separately via email or letter?
• Proof of cancellation (screenshot, confirmation number, or postal receipt) saved and backed up?
• If cancellation was difficult, a chargeback dispute filed with your bank as a backup?

What stopee recommends: your next steps

Vriendenloterij cancellation is frustrating, but you have control. Start with the online method (it is free and fast) and screenshot everything. If that fails, call the Netherlands number and write down the confirmation reference. If either of those methods feels too risky, use a third-party cancellation service; the small cost is worth the guarantee and reduces your stress.

Do not ignore charges after cancellation. Dispute them immediately with your bank. Keep all cancellation proof for six months. Request data deletion explicitly so marketing emails stop. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel problematic subscriptions, and the most successful cancellations happen when you combine persistence with proper documentation. You deserve a clear exit, and Stopee is here to ensure you get one. Visit stopee.com to track your cancellation progress or explore similar services Stopee monitors across Europe.

Contact information

Vriendenloterij member services

If you need to contact Vriendenloterij directly for further support after cancellation:

• Telephone (Netherlands): 088-020 10 57 or 088-020 10 20
• Website: vriendenloterij.nl
• Online portal: Mijn VriendenLoterij (personal account page)
• Postal address for cancellations: Check your latest account statement or the website footer for the current member services address (typically located in the Netherlands)

South african payment dispute support

If you need to dispute charges after cancellation:

• Contact your bank's customer service line immediately and request a chargeback form.
• Provide your bank with proof of cancellation and evidence that charges continued.
• Your bank will guide you through the dispute process, which typically takes 30-60 days.