3. How to deal with debt collectors?

3. How to deal with debt collectors?

If you are contacted by a debt collection agent, ask for information about the debt, e.g. amount owed and the name of the lender. If the details do not sound right, contact your lender right away. 

If you suspect malpractice by a debt collection agent in their debt collection activities, you can make a complaint to the lender. Lenders remain accountable to any debtor for complaints arising out of the debt collection activities carried out by the debt collection agent and should not disclaim any responsibility for misconduct on part of the debt collection agent.

If you are not satisfied with the manner in which the lender has dealt with your complaint, you may seek help from the Complaints Processing Centre of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority or the Licensed Money Lenders Association.

Where you suspect there has been a misuse of your personal information, you may file a complaint to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. 

If someone’s safety is at risk as a result of the activities of debt collection agents, report this to the Hong Kong Police immediately.