Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Privacy

Australiawide Mercantile Agency is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals whose personal information we hold. We comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose and store personal information in the course of conducting our business as a licensed mercantile agency.

What Information We Collect

In the course of our debt collection and repossession activities, we may collect personal information including:

• Full name, date of birth and identity information
• Contact details including address, phone number and email
• Financial information including account details, outstanding balances and payment history
• Employment information
• Asset information relevant to secured loans
• Information provided voluntarily by debtors, clients or third parties

We only collect information that is necessary for our legitimate business functions and that we are authorised to collect under relevant legislation.

How We Collect Information

Personal information may be collected directly from individuals, from our clients (financial institutions, banks and financiers), or from legally permissible third-party sources such as:

• Commercially available search databases
• Electoral roll data (where permitted)
• Field investigations and interviews
• ASIC and public records

We only use legally obtained information at all times.

How We Use Your Information

Personal information is used solely for the purpose for which it was collected, including:

• Debt collection and recovery services on behalf of our clients
• Locating individuals and verifying contact details
• Repossession activities in accordance with client instructions
• Process serving of legal documents
• Compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
• Internal record keeping and quality management

Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose personal information to:

• Our client (the financial institution or creditor who engaged our services)
• Field agents within our consortium, on a need-to-know basis
• Legal advisors and courts where required
• Regulatory authorities if required by law
• New Zealand affiliates for cross-border recovery where applicable

We do not sell, trade or rent personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Data Security

Personal information is stored securely on our cloud-hosted management system, protected by Citrix Web Interface security protocols. Access is restricted to authorised personnel only. We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

Access and Correction

Individuals have the right to request access to personal information we hold about them, and to request correction of inaccurate information. To make such a request, please contact us in writing at the address below.

We will respond to access requests within a reasonable time frame and in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.

Complaints

If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles or this Privacy Policy, you may lodge a complaint with us. We will investigate and respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Contact Us

For privacy-related enquiries, please contact: