Can a debt collector visit a debtor’s workplace?

Information about a debt, or even just the fact a debt exists, is likely to be personal information. Visiting a debtor’s workplace creates a risk that you’ll inappropriately disclose personal information about the person.

Even if you just reveal to other people in the workplace that you’re from a debt collection agency, you’re disclosing that their colleague or workmate owes money.

Disclosing personal information is covered in principle 11 of the Privacy Act. You can find out more about this in principle 11. You can also read this related AskUs article(external link).

Updated November 2025