NSW Vodafone Debt - What Can I Do?

[Daniel Smith]

I switched to a new carrier and forgot to clear a $118 debt on vodafone. I got a text 10 months later asking me to call Commercial Credit Control. I called and they stated I owe 147.50 and now have a black mark on my credit rating. They had my old home address and this was the first I had been notified of the debt.

I'm happy to pay the debt I just don't want the bad credit rating. Is there anything I can do?

 

[Rob Legat - SBPL]

There are two ways you can have a ‘black mark’ on your credit file:

1. A default listing is made (or the upgraded serious credit infringement). The minimum amount which must be owing for a listing to be made is $150. Unless they can add fees onto the amount you owe, they cannot make a listing.

2. The listing party is part of the comprehensive credit reporting regime. To date, only credit providers can take part in that - not telcos.

You may want to ask them what ‘black mark’ they are talking about, and remind them that giving you false or misleading information in collecting a debt is a breach of the ASIC/ACCC Debt Collection Guideline. Commercial Credit Control state on their website that they subscribe to the Guideline.

Do pay it, however. Just take them to task on their tactics.

 

[Clancy]

It's amazing how quickly and easily debt collectors can find you and remind you of a debt... which makes me wonder why the original debt holder could not be bothered doing the same? When you're just going about your normal life and at no point doing anything to try and hide from them!!

 

[Rob Legat - SBPL]

Debt collectors tend to specialise in finding people. Plus it's an outsourcing thing. Many companies don't want to employ staff to do it, so they go to a business that provides the service. It's not different in theory to going to any other service provider.

 

[Daniel Smith]

Vodafone, Australia Debt Recoveries and Credit Services Australia had an old address and email and didn't try to call. They had my number but didn't try Commercial Credit Control sent me a text which was the first I had heard of the debt so I paid them the next day. The bill had gone from $118 to $147.50 in the 8 months which seems fair I just wish Vodafone had called. Thanks for everyones help.

 

[Clancy]

Debt collectors tend to specialise in finding people. Plus it's an outsourcing thing. Many companies don't want to employ staff to do it, so they go to a business that provides the service. It's not different in theory to going to any other service provider.

I thought debt collectors were for chasing people who cannot pay stuff because they have no money - not for chasing everyday people who have money and did not pay because of the varying degrees of apathy of the original debt holders to contact them. Oh well, i learnt something new!