You may be contacted by a debt collector if you fall behind on a loan or credit card repayment and don't contact your creditor.
A debt collector may be from the original credit or service provider, or a debt collection agency acting on the creditor's behalf.
If a debt collector contacts you, you can expect to be treated in a professional manner.
Dealing with Debt Collectors: Your Rights and Responsibilities on the Money Smart website, provides information about:
- what to do when a debt collector contacts you
- how and when a debt collector can contact you
- unacceptable behaviours by debt collectors
- disputing a debt
- whether you're being taken to court.
Free legal advice
If you want to dispute a debt, or feel your rights have been infringed in any way, free legal advice - and representation in some cases - is available through the Consumer Credit Law Centre South Australia (CCLCSA).
The CCLCSA can help with:
- repossessions and mortgage loan foreclosure
- debt management options (including bankruptcy and debt agreements)
- debtor's court and ongoing assistance and casework, including court/tribunal representation
- disputes related to loans for personal, domestic and household use - eg credit cards, mortgages, personal loans
- credit debt
- credit history reports.
Contact CCLCSA
Phone
8342 1800 or 1300 886 220 for country callers