I missed a phone call from 0489 995 238 on my unlisted private phone number and they did not leave a message. When I rang back they were hesitant to say they were ringing from either State Mercantile or Panthera Finance which are credit collection agencies and the last time I had credit was 20 years ago. Report this phone number to the ACCC Scamwatch at https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam

Been getting missed calls in the last 3 weeks on my outgoing call-only mobile from people claiming to be from a debt collection agency (Panthera) but they have not left any messages. When I did speak to one of them, the caller insisted on asking for "verification" identity from me. They will not tell me what they are calling me about other than "wanting to discuss a personal matter". I do not have any outstanding credit, much less warranting debt collection. I will not get into details but if this is a legitimate collection agency then they have broken clearly defined several legislations on debt collection, even if it is a case of mistaken identity. To me, this is clearly a phishing scam. They are calling with disposable sim cards from Travelsim.

I received the following text message from Panthera Finance on my unlisted private Telstra phone number:

Hi Rachael, it’s tax time and we want to help you into the new financial year with one less worry. We’re offering to take $511.79 off your outstanding Optus account if you can settle in one final payment of $1,194.18 on or before August 2023. Simply login to www.pantherafinance.com.au, call 1300 722 974, or reply to this message. Thank you, Panthera Finance.

My name is not Rachael and I do not know any Rachael’s. I have never had an Optus account and the last time I had credit or a debt was 20 years ago. Report the following Panthera Finance phone numbers to the ACCC ScamWatch https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam:

1300 722 974
0489 995 130
0489 995 238
0480 009 000
0489 998 126
0489 998 105