Debt Collectors Harassing for Old Bills? - +61 2 4225 7211 ((02) 4225 7211)

Watch out for Australian Debt Recoveries Pty Ltd in Wollongong, NSW—they're scam artists. Hang up, block them, or they'll try to fleece you, mate, yikes.

A call was made regarding my late mother’s Optus account; she passed away last September. It is morally wrong for Optus and ADR to pursue charges for a service that was cancelled and never used. I recommend contacting the creditor directly, as ADR agents are poorly trained and lack ethical standards. Avoid answering these calls.

Company named Australian Debt Recoveries Pty Ltd, based in Wollongong, NSW – Debt Collection

If you receive a call from Australian Debt Recoveries Pty Limited, reach out to the Telecommunications Ombudsman and file a complaint about the service you received, especially if the deal was unsatisfactory. Use the 'make a complaint' link, providing your account reference or NBN number as the reference. Detail any missing services, reception problems, or hardware issues, and note the attempts you made to resolve the matter with the provider. State the amount you wish to have reduced—e.g., a $3,000 bill you want fully or partially removed for undelivered hardware (which you can still return). Allow 10‑12 weeks for processing, but respond within 48 hours when TIO contacts you, otherwise the debt collector may become more aggressive. Should they place a default on your credit file, dispute it at www.equifax.com.au. If the issue remains unresolved, contact your local federal MP for assistance via www.aph.gov.au. These resources exist to help you, not add stress. Good luck and keep fighting.

The operator at ADR displayed extremely poor customer service; staff need proper training in ethics. After more than a month since I paid, I kept requesting my receipt but kept receiving excuses. When I finally demanded it, the representative abruptly hung up. Such disrespectful behavior is unacceptable. I am working hard to settle my debt, yet they act as if my overdue status excuses them from providing proof of payment. This attitude is inhumane, and I believe karma will catch up with such rude, unprofessional receptionists.

After returning a phone to Vodafone under the 30‑day guarantee, the account remained active and was handed over to ADR, which I found extremely rude. I provided multiple documents proving the return, yet they responded that they could not act on the debt unless Vodafone instructed them, indicating they had not purchased the debt. ADR cannot resolve the issue; the original creditor must be contacted. I did so, and my problem with Vodafone was settled, but ADR continues to reach out.

They were extremely rude and tried to force me to pay a Vodafone bill of $1,881 even though I’m currently unemployed. I offered to pay $50 at a post office, but they claimed the post office couldn’t handle it and said they have access to my CBA account. I’m not sure what to do.

Appears to be a collection agency

Third‑party agencies like ADR act on behalf of clients such as Vodafone or Optus, but they never purchase your debts. All invoices are issued beforehand, so if they contact you there is usually a reason—collections can continue for up to five or six years after a contract ends. I strongly suggest reaching out to them promptly, because a negative entry on your credit file can linger for five years.

They explain it’s to verify the person’s identity before releasing personal data, but honestly, if you’ve shared your details everywhere, you should already know any outstanding debts. Instead of being rude, just handle it or ask for another representative—it's straightforward

I'm glad I researched this; living abroad, my friend got a letter marked urgent from "Nicole Harris", which made me nervous.

Apparently Australian debt collectors can contact a parent about a child's overseas debt—mistakenly linked to Hutchison/Vodafone—and then hide behind the Privacy Act when the parent seeks clarification. A manager named Tarni disconnected my husband and me three times. I plan to reach out to Hutchison/Vodafone, ASIC, and the ACCC about this.