Consumer Affairs Victoria has taken legal action against a major debt collector for allegedly operating in Victoria while prohibited.
Panthera Finance Pty Ltd (ACN 147 634 482) is a Queensland-based debt buying and collecting company that operates nationwide.
We allege Panthera Finance breached Victorian fair trading laws by engaging in debt collection here when they were not allowed to do so.
In March 2020, the Federal Court found Panthera Finance had harassed three consumers to pay disputed debts in breach of the Australian Consumer Law. Victorian laws prohibit a person or company from engaging in debt collection in Victoria for five years after they’ve been found to have engaged in undue harassment under the Australian Consumer Law.
Prohibited persons can apply to the Business Licensing Authority (BLA) for permission to engage in debt collection, but the BLA has not granted Panthera Finance permission at this time.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said while it is fair to try and collect debts owed, this must always be done in a legal manner.
‘Many people are facing financial challenges as cost-of-living pressures continue to rise and it is already stressful having to manage tight household budgets.
‘People in this situation can be very vulnerable to poor debt collection practices. We will continue to investigate and take action to ensure compliance with Victoria’s debt collection protections as a priority.’
The matter is listed for a filing hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 19 August.