Your rights with debt collectors

Debt collectors must tell you who they are, who they're collecting for, and the amount owed. They must also confirm the debt is actually yours.

Collectors cannot use threats, aggressive language, or intimidation. They cannot imply criminal consequences for unpaid debt (most debts are civil, not criminal).

Collectors cannot contact you excessively. Generally: max 3 phone calls per week, max 10 per month. No calls before 7:30am or after 9pm weekdays, or on Sundays/public holidays.

You can tell a collector you only want to communicate in writing. This gives you time to think, get advice, and have a paper trail.

You can tell a collector not to contact you at your workplace. If you tell them to stop, they must stop.

You can ask the collector to verify the debt — prove it's yours, prove the amount, and prove they have authority to collect it. They must pause collection while verifying.

Debts have a limitation period (typically 6 years in most states). After this period, the creditor cannot take you to court — though they may still contact you. Making a payment or acknowledging the debt can restart the clock.

If a debt collector breaches these rules, you can complain to AFCA (for financial services debts) or the ACCC. You can also complain to your state's fair trading body.