Companies who perform collection services are required to be licensed in this province under the Collections Act. Acting on behalf of creditors, the agency attempts to collect an outstanding debt owed to the company they are representing.

Collection agencies may not:

·        Contact you in any way without first sending you a written notice.

·        Contact you between the hours of 10:00 pm and 8:00 am.

·        Contact your employer without your consent

·        Contact you at your place of employment (i.e. telephone, visit or send you mail)

·        Contact your family, friends or neighbors except to verify your address

·        Harass your family and friends with frequent telephone calls

·        Call you collect in a attempt to collect

·        Charge you for telephone calls or mail costs associated with collection efforts

·        Pretend to be someone else

·        Collect more than you owe the debtor

·        Threaten you with action outside their authority

Experiencing unfair treatment by a collection agency? The BBB suggests you:

·        Get the complete name and address of the agency

·        Keep a log of the dates and times that the agency contacts you

·        Contact your local BBB

Credit Rating:

BBBs do not supply, compile, record, or supply credit information. You may obtain your credit rating from a credit-reporting agency. Check your yellow pages for companies providing such a service.

The BBB recommends you check your consumer report periodically to ensure accuracy of information.