Debt collectors harrassing consumers

The companies regulator, ASIC and the competition regulator, the ACCC, say they have received more than 5,000 complaints in the last few years from indebted consumers concerned over the harassment or behaviour of debt collectors.

Even if your debts are overdue, you have the right to complain about harassment by collectors says Graeme Samuel, chairman of the ACCC.

Companies can be fined $1.1 million and individuals up to $220,000 for harassing indebted clients. Creditors and collectors can not call you many times per day, discuss your debts with other people such as work colleagues or family members, or turn up unannounced on your doorstop at night.

An issues paper explaining the rights of debtors is available at www.accc.gov.au/debtcollection.