What the ACCC does

  • We educate consumers and businesses on their rights and responsibilities under consumer law.
  • We investigate businesses where they might be breaking the law.
  • We accept reports about debt collectors who may be doing something they shouldn’t. You can report a consumer issue to the ACCC.
  • We review reports we receive and take action if we identify concerning behaviour.

What the ACCC can't do

  • We don’t get involved in individual debt disputes.
  • We don’t provide legal advice about debt disputes.
  • We don’t provide financial advice or financial counselling.

Rules and advice

What debt collectors can and can't do

Owing a debt can be stressful. Knowing what debt collectors can and can't do can help. Both debtors and debt collectors have rights and legal obligations.

Help when you're in debt

There are several free services that can help you if you’re struggling with debt. Laws are in place to protect you from being treated unfairly by debt collectors.

Disputing a debt

You can dispute a debt you don’t owe, or if you disagree with the amount. Get legal advice if you are being taken to court.

ACCC action on debt collection

Optus agrees to $100m penalty, subject to court approval, for unconscionable conduct

Optus Mobile has admitted to engaging in unconscionable conduct when selling telecommunications goods and services to hundreds of consumers, after court action brought by the ACCC. In many instances the consumers did not want or need, could not use or could not afford what they were sold, and in some cases consumers were pursued for debts.
See media releases on debt collection