You or a loved one may have had a recent experience with a debt collector.
Debt collection is legal. However, the debt collector must not harass or bully you.
Debt collectors are restricted in the times they can contact you by phone:
- Monday -Friday-7.30am to 9pm
- Weekends-9am-9pm
- Not more than three times a week or up to ten times a month
- Not on public holidays
Face to face contact is a last option if you have not responded to phone calls. They may contact you face to face any day between 9am and 9pm.
Debt collectors must not:
- Discuss your debt with someone else without your permission
- Take advantage of you because of illness, disability, age or lack of education
- mislead you
- harass you or contact you more than is needed
- use abusive language
- trespass on your property
If you feel threatened or harassed by a debt collector, you should write them a formal letter asking them to stop.
If the behaviour does not stop, contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority.
