A Melbourne debt collector and his business are facing more than a dozen charges after allegedly using tactics to recover debts that are banned in Victoria.
Michael John Stanyer, 54, of Essendon, and RMS Collections Pty Ltd (ACN 639 085 439) are facing 16 charges under the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012.
Consumer Affairs Victoria alleges Stanyer used a range of prohibited methods to attempt to recover debts for his clients between June 2021 and March 2023.
These include:
- making repeated contact with debtors with unreasonable frequency and language
- providing misleading information about the consequences of failing to repay a debt and threatening court action
- attempting to charge debtors for his collection services in addition to the debt.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said the alleged offending was significant, affecting nine consumers from different states.
‘Stanyer’s actions added unnecessary distress to consumers already suffering financial strain,’ Rich said.
We became aware of the alleged offences after receiving complaints from consumers.
The matter will be heard at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 14 December 2023.