Debt collecting giant pursued 200,000 debts from Victorians while allegedly banned from operating in state

A major debt collecting company, Panthera Finance Pty Ltd, allegedly pursued over 200,000 debts from Victorians while banned from operating in the state due to previous breaches of consumer protection laws. The company, based in Queensland, was prohibited from engaging in debt collection in Victoria for five years after the Federal Court found they had harassed consumers to pay disputed debts, violating Australian Consumer Law in March 2020. Despite this prohibition, legal action has been taken against Panthera Finance by Consumer Affairs Victoria for collecting debts without permission from the Business Licensing Authority, which has not granted them approval to operate.​

Legal Context and Impact

• Panthera Finance breached Victorian fair trading laws by operating when prohibited, prompting court proceedings against the company.​

• Victorian laws allow debt collection bans for entities found to have engaged in undue harassment, and operating during such bans can result in further legal consequences.​

• The matter is listed for a committal mention at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, signaling ongoing scrutiny and potential penalties.​

Consumer Protection Measures

• Victorian authorities emphasize that debt collection must be conducted legally and fairly, particularly when many residents face financial pressures.​

• The case highlights the importance of debt collection compliance to protect vulnerable individuals from unlawful practices.​

This legal action represents a significant test of Victoria’s consumer protection laws and serves as a warning to other debt collectors to strictly observe bans and regulatory requirements when operating in the state.​