If you have been following the news, it should come as no surprise to learn that debt is high in Australia. With more people owing money, and also having less money to pay back their debts, there’s a good chance that you have some debt of your own. Otherwise, many people are on the other side of the money lending. When dealing with people who owe you money, or those you are in debt to, there are ways to behave. More importantly, there are some types of behaviour that creditors or debt collectors are to avoid.
Debt collectors are not to harass someone who owes them money. This includes physical threats, of course. But it also expands into the realm of contacting someone more than needed, or doing so during odd hours. The Competition and Consumer Act 2010, as well as other laws, actually make this type of behaviour illegal. Even if someone owes you money, it is against the law to harass them in any way.
Debt collectors must avoid any behaviour that would be considered unconscionable. That basically means that they must act in a fair manner. For example, suppose someone is ill, ignorant of their rights and the laws, has impaired judgement or abilities to discuss matters properly, or no experience in this area, and the other party takes advantage of one, or more, of these things. That would be considered unconscientious behaviour, and it is against regulations.