Dun and Bradstreet

Are they likely to take me to court?

On the debt collection side of the business, Dun and Bradstreet will send out letters of demand to people who it says owe debts to its clients. For smaller debts (under $5,000) these are not usually real threats of legal action, and you will often notice the wording on letters of demand along the lines such as "we my seek instructions to start legal proceedings". Ultimately it is up to Dun and Bradstreet's clients such as Telstra to decide if they want to take legal action. It is not up to Dun and Bradstreet. For lower amounts it is often not financially viable to take someone to court as the costs can outweigh the likely return, and they can only claim a certain amount in costs from the defendant. For higher amounts (over $5,000) it is more likely that Dun and Bradstreet may take you to court. However, they still need to be able to prove that you incurred the debt and that you are responsible for paying it. This is clear in some cases, but in other cases it is more ambiguous. So if you have an ambiguous debt, it is less likely you will be taken to court, even for larger amounts.

Are Dun and Bradstreet permitted by law to call me at home?

Yes, Dun and Bradstreet are entitled by law to call you at home. However, strong laws in Australia apply under Australian Consumer Law which applied to all contracts commenced after 1st January 2011. The ACCC Debt Collection Guidelines detail when and how often you can be called at home. Dun and Bradstreet are only permitted to call you at certain times of the week. They may only contact you by phone Monday to Friday 7.30 am–9.00 pm and weekends from 9.00 am–9.00 pm. The ACCC guideline says you should be called more than three times a week or a maximum of 10 times per month. Under the guidelines, if you advise Dun and Bradstreet that you don't ever wish to be phoned, and would prefer postal or email communication then they obliged to respect you wishes. Therefore, when how and when Dun and Bradstreet contacts you is in your full control.

Dun and Bradstreet and dubious debts

If Dun and Bradstreet have been chasing you for dubious debts, then you ask asked to let us know. In the past, Dun and Bradstreet has gotten itself in trouble through its associations with companies such as Publicity Monster and Australian National Car Parks who were accused by authorities of breaking Australian Consumer Laws. After intense pressure, Dun and Bradstreet was forced to let go of these two companies.

Dun and Bradstreet credit history provider

As well as chasing debts for its clients, Dun and Bradstreet also manages a database containing debt information, often known as a credit report or credit history. These databases contain information such as bank loans you have applied for, and payments you may have missed. Anyone is entitled to contact Dun and Bradstreet via their website and ask for a free copy of their own credit report. Organisations such as banks and utility companies such as Telstra subscribe to Dun and Bradstreet's credit history database and can make enquiries on new customers before providing them with credit.