Australia’s leading privately owned debt collection company, Panthera, is facing charges for allegedly violating a ban on conducting business in Victoria. Earlier this year, Guardian Australia exposed Panthera’s alleged circumvention of a ban imposed in Victoria due to previous illegal activities. Consumer Affairs Victoria has taken legal action against Panthera for breaching the ban, accusing them of violating fair trading laws in Victoria by engaging in debt collection activities while prohibited. The ban was imposed on Panthera following a federal court decision in March 2020, which found them guilty of harassing consumers to pay disputed debts, triggering an automatic five-year ban in Victoria. Despite the option to seek special permission to operate, Panthera failed to do so, according to CAV. Nicole Rich, the director of CAV, emphasized the importance of legal debt collection practices, especially during times of financial hardship. The case against Panthera is scheduled for a filing hearing at the Melbourne magistrates court on 19 August. Panthera and the administrators overseeing parts of their business have been contacted for comments. Stay updated for more information on this developing story.
Source: www.theguardian.com