- Scam
03 8517 8212 (0385178212): Contributors report aggressive debt collection calls from FRANCOM claiming ownership of Panthera Capital, with repeated daily calls and impossible opt-out.
FRANCOM Debt Collection Harassment Reports for 03 8517 8212
Two contributors have reported calls from 03 8517 8212 (also written as 0385178212) involving aggressive debt collection tactics. The reports indicate that FRANCOM, a debt collection agency, is using this Telstra number and similar ones to contact people about alleged debts connected to Panthera Capital. One contributor explicitly stated that 0385178212 and related numbers are being used illegally for harassment purposes with no legitimate intention to resolve actual debts.
The pattern suggests systematic abuse of the debt collection process rather than legitimate account recovery. Contributors describe the calls as relentless and claim there is no effective way to opt out from contact attempts via 03 8517 8212.
What Callers from 03 8517 8212 Say
Based on community reports, callers using 03 8517 8212 reference gas and electricity deals and claim to represent a debt collection operation. The calls involve urgency-based messaging designed to pressure recipients into immediate action. One contributor noted receiving 3-4 calls daily from different numbers including 03 8517 8212, suggesting a coordinated multi-number calling campaign.
The contributor who received repeated calls from 0385178212 described the approach as "total rubbish," indicating the claims lack credibility or proper debt verification. The frequency and persistence of contact attempts from 03 8517 8212 appears deliberately designed to wear down resistance rather than allow genuine opt-out requests to be honoured.
Call Patterns and Timing
Contributors report multiple calls daily from 03 8517 8212 and associated numbers. One report specifically mentions 3-4 calls per day, with the calls originating from different phone numbers in what appears to be a deliberate strategy to bypass call-blocking attempts. The Telstra allocation (Victoria-based local service) provides a domestic appearance that may increase answer rates before the aggressive messaging begins.
The repeated contact pattern from 0385178212 violates standard telecommunications compliance, as legitimate debt collectors are required to respect opt-out requests and limit contact frequency. Contributors indicate that standard opt-out procedures do not work when attempting to stop calls from 03 8517 8212.
What to Do If You Receive a Call from 03 8517 8212
If 03 8517 8212 calls you:
- Do not: Acknowledge any debt, provide personal information, confirm your identity, or agree to any arrangements during the call
- Do: Hang up immediately and do not return the call
- Do: Block 03 8517 8212 and any other numbers from the same caller using your phone's built-in tools
- Do: Request a formal debt notice in writing if you believe you genuinely owe money - legitimate debt collectors must provide written verification before proceeding
- Do: Check your actual service provider accounts (Telstra, electricity provider, gas supplier) directly for any unpaid balances - do not rely on unsolicited calls
How to Report 03 8517 8212
Community reports about 03 8517 8212 provide important evidence of systematic harassment. You should report this number through multiple official channels:
- ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority): Submit complaints at acma.gov.au - the more reports filed against 03 8517 8212 and associated numbers, the faster action against FRANCOM will follow
- Scamwatch: Report the call pattern and any pressure tactics to scamwatch.gov.au
- Do Not Call Register: Register your number at donotcall.gov.au to formally opt out of telemarketing and debt collection calls - though contributors note this may not stop 0385178212 calls, it creates an official record of opt-out requests
- Your telecommunications provider: Contact Telstra directly to report abuse of their network by 03 8517 8212
- Reverseau: Add your own report about calls from 0385178212 to help warn other Australians and build the evidence base for regulatory action
Verification Steps Before Paying Any Debt
If you are contacted about an alleged debt via 03 8517 8212, verify independently before making any payment:
- Contact your service provider directly using a number from your bill - not a number provided by the caller
- Check your online accounts with Telstra, electricity, gas, or other services yourself
- Request written documentation of the debt, including account details and amounts owed
- Do not use any contact details provided during calls from 0385178212 - look up official contact numbers independently
- Report attempts to pressure you into immediate payment without written verification as harassment
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 8517 8212!
WRITE A REVIEWRatings Distribution
What Our Users Reviewed
FRANCOM Debt collectors now owns Panthera Capital.
This phone number & many other similar ones are being used illegally by FRANCOM to harrass people with no other intention.
Report them to ACMA in Australia.
The more people report this the faster action against them will follow.
I Suggest claiming gas and electricity deals, calling 3-4 times a day from different numbers, impossible to opt out, total rubbish
Help others by sharing your experience with (03) 8517 8212!
WRITE A REVIEWFrequently Asked Questions
Is 03 8517 8212 a legitimate debt collector?
According to contributor reports, 03 8517 8212 is being used by FRANCOM for harassment purposes rather than legitimate debt collection. A contributor explicitly stated that this number and similar ones are being used illegally. Legitimate debt collectors are required to respect opt-out requests and provide written verification of debts. If 0385178212 calls you, request written documentation and verify any debt directly with your service provider before engaging further.
Why do I keep getting calls from different numbers if it's the same caller?
Contributors report receiving 3-4 calls daily from 03 8517 8212 and different associated numbers. This pattern indicates a deliberate strategy to bypass call-blocking tools and prevent recipients from effectively blocking the caller. Using multiple numbers to contact the same person is a harassment tactic. Report each number to ACMA at acma.gov.au, including 0385178212, to build evidence of systematic abuse.
Can I stop calls from 03 8517 8212 by opting out?
Contributors report that standard opt-out procedures do not work when attempting to stop calls from 03 8517 8212. Register your number with the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au to create an official opt-out record, but note that this may not stop 0385178212. Your strongest option is to block the number on your phone and report it to ACMA. Consider reporting FRANCOM directly to telecommunications regulators for non-compliance with opt-out laws.
What should I do if 03 8517 8212 claims I owe money for gas or electricity?
Do not acknowledge any debt during the call from 0385178212. Instead, hang up and contact your energy provider directly using the account number on your most recent bill. Log into your online account to check your actual balance. Legitimate service providers will contact you through official channels, not via unsolicited calls making urgent demands. If you dispute the claim, ask the caller to send written documentation - this is a legal requirement that FRANCOM must follow.
Is 03 8517 8212 connected to Panthera Capital?
According to contributor reports, FRANCOM now claims to own or represent Panthera Capital and uses 03 8517 8212 to contact people about alleged debts connected to that entity. A contributor stated this arrangement appears to be part of an illegal harassment operation. If you have a genuine obligation to Panthera Capital, contact them directly using official contact details - not numbers provided by callers from 0385178212.
Where should I report 03 8517 8212?
Report 0385178212 to ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) at acma.gov.au - this is the primary regulator for telecom abuse in Australia. Also report to Scamwatch at scamwatch.gov.au if you received pressure or false claims. Register with the Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au to create an official opt-out record. Contributors emphasize that the more reports filed about 03 8517 8212, the faster regulatory action against FRANCOM will follow.