South Africa has 12 000 active, registered debt collectors, the Council for Debt Collectors revealed in Pretoria on Thursday.
"The past year alone, almost 3 000 applications were approved. This represents a 16 percent increase on the previous year," council chairperson Jasper Noeth said at a public information session.
He said the registrations were made under the Debt Collectors' Act which had transformed the industry since it had come into operation four years ago.
"Besides registration of debt collectors, the council has also speeded up its ability to investigate complaints more effectively."
| Noeth said 416 complaints were received last year |
Noeth said 416 complaints were received last year.
He said the council had decided not to prosecute in 311 investigations, had finalised 26 trials, and was still probing more than 130 cases.
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"Fines to the total of R850 369 have been imposed due to overcharging, not maintaining a trust account, improper conduct or contraventions of the code of conduct."
The council remained concerned at the general public's lack of awareness of their rights and responsibilities when confronted by debt collectors.
"We want to ensure the public, and especially the most vulnerable are protected at all times, and we have embarked on information campaigns to ensure that the public is fully aware of the protection afforded to them in terms of the Act.
"The public, when confronted by a debt collector, must ask the debt collector if he is registered with the council.
"If the debt collector cannot provide proof of registration, such person must be reported to the council immediately," Noeth said. - Sapa
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