A Guardian Australia investigation has revealed allegations of misconduct and underhanded tactics on the part of private debt collectors during a cost-of-living crisis.A Guardian Australia investigation has revealed allegations of misconduct and underhanded tactics on the part of private debt collectors during a cost-of-living crisis.
Panthera Finance, Australia’s biggest privately owned debt collection business, has ignored a five-year “blacklisting” from the Victorian regulator and continued to purchase debts despite being warned that continuing to purchase and collect debts would be a criminal offence. The regulator has so far taken no action.
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority says it has heard complaints of intimidating communication and of debt collection continuing while the authority is investigating, which is not permitted.