POST

As you may already know, there are numerous beliefs (some true and some not true) about what measures collection agents are allowed to take when approaching debtors so that they may recover funds from delinquent debtors without subjecting them to harassment.

We thought it would be useful to share with you the information below which is posted on the government of Ontario website, which clearly sets out the rules to protect consumers who are concerned collection agents may be ‘crossing the line’:

.”…..Before a collection agency can contact you they need to send you a written notice through regular mail (email doesn’t count).”

‘This notice must include:

• the name of the person or business that says you owe them money (known as the creditor)
• the amount of money that the creditor says you owe
• the name of the collection agency and a statement that the creditor has asked them to collect the debt

“After sending the notice, the agency must wait 6 days before they can contact you in person or by phone.

“After their first conversation with you, an agency can’t contact you more than 3 times in a 7-day period without your consent.

“Contact” means the agents must actually speak with you, email you or leave you a voice mail. If you don’t answer the phone and the agents don’t leave a message, it doesn’t count as a contact. A letter sent by regular mail also does not count as a contact.

“A collection agency can’t:

• contact you on a Sunday, except between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• contact you on any other day of the week between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• contact you on a holiday
• use threatening, profane, intimidating or coercive language
• use undue, excessive or unreasonable pressure or harass you
• charge you any fees……”

 

If you are receiving calls from collection agents , or know of someone who is, there is clearly a problem that needs to be addressed. 

Our team has extensive experience in addressing these issues so feel free to call us and book a free no obligation consultation with one of our debt solutions’ experts.

Since we have such a wealth of experience in dealing with debtors who have questions such as those relating to the above, please consider sitting down with us for a first- time, free, “no obligation” appointment.

Call this number (416) 736 4357 to get our advice specifically tailored to your situation. We look forward to assisting.