Creditor harassment is an excessive quantity of pressure from a creditor or debt collector to pay a debt. It may involve threats of violence, threats to embarrass the debtor, false information, excessive number of telephone calls or home visits or general nastiness.

Section 60 of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (C'th) states: "A corporation shall not use physical force or undue harassment or coercion in connection with the supply or possible supply of goods or services to a consumer or the payment for goods or services by a consumer."

Debt collectors cannot harass, oppress or abuse any person. They also can't use unfair practices or make false statements. Unlawful acts by debt collectors include:

• Falsely implying that he or she is an attorney or government representative.
• Falsely implying that you have committed a crime.
• Indicating that correspondence they send you is from an attorney when it is not.
• Implying that nonpayment of any debt will result in loss of personal property, wages, or that you will be arrested unless (a) it is lawful and (b) the creditor intends to follow through with such action.
• Threatening to take action that is not legal or that the creditor does not intend to take.
• Implying that the transfer of interest in the debt to someone else will result in loss of personal property or wages, or that you will be arrested.
• Falsely representing that you committed a crime in an effort to disgrace you.
• Misrepresenting your credit or failing to communicate that you are disputing a debt.
• Using written communication which simulates or is falsely represented to be a document authorized, issued or approved by any court, official or agency of the U.S. or any state, or which creates a false impression as to its source, authorization, or approval.
• Contacting you by post card.
• Using any false or deceptive means to attempt to collect a debt or obtain information about a consumer.
• Failing to disclose clearly in all communication that the debt collector is attempting to collect a debt and that any information obtained will be used for that purpose.
• Falsely implying that accounts have been turned over to innocent purchasers.
• Falsely implying that documents are part of the legal process when they aren’t.
• Falsely stating that papers being sent to you are not legal process forms when they are.
• Using any business, company, or organization name other than the actual name of the debt collector's business.
• Falsely stating that a debt collector is employed by a consumer reporting agency.

What is a debt collector or collection agency?
A debt collector is any person or agency, other than the creditor, who regularly collects debts owed to others. Under a 1986 amendment to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, this also includes attorneys who collect debts on a regular basis.

What do I do if I am being harassed by a debt collector?
If you believe you have been unfairly treated, you have the right to sue the collection agency in a state or federal court within one year from the date your rights were violated. You could potentially recover money for any damages you may have suffered as well as court costs and attorney's fees You should also report any problems you have with a debt collector to your state's Attorney General's office and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Contact a LawInfo Lead Counsel qualified bankruptcy lawyer for more information about state and federal debt collection laws and for any legal advice or assistance in your claim.