Get a free, no obligation personal loan quote with rates as low as 9.90%
Get Started You can apply with no impact to your credit score

If you currently have a credit account in collections or if you’ve ever had to deal with a debt collector in Canada then you understand that the process can be both intimidating and complicated. No one ever plans to have a credit account go into collections. This means that when it comes to dealing with and speaking to a debt collector, the average Canadian is underprepared and ill-informed.

Here’s everything you need to know about debt collectors in Canada and how to deal with them should one of your credit accounts ever go into collection.

What Is A Debt Collector In Canada?

A debt collector is a company that is typically hired by a creditor or lending company to recover unpaid debts. Debt collectors get involved when someone stops making payments on a loan or credit account. Debt collectors usually work for either a set fee or a percentage of the total debt owed to the creditor they’re working for.

Who Will You Need To Deal With?

Depending on the creditor that you owe, you will either deal with an in-house debt collector or a debt collection company that was hired by your creditor.

If you are contacted by an outside debt collector then your original creditor has either hired them to work alongside them or has sold your account to the debt collection agency in question. Either way, you will be contacted in writing first. After that, you will begin to receive phone calls from your collection agent.

How To Deal With A Debt Collector In Canada

Some creditors may hire a collection agency to collect on the monies they are owed. But dealing with these agencies can be very stressful, especially if they’re constantly calling you. If you don’t respond, they may even reach out to friends, family, and your employer to get your contact information.

While you may rather ignore these collection agencies, you should deal with them promptly. Here are some tips to keep in mind when dealing with a debt collector:

Confirm They’re Real 

Unfortunately, there are scam artists that operate within the collection agency industry in hopes of scamming unsuspecting consumers out of their money. Before you deal with a collection agency and start making payments, vet them first to ensure they’re legitimate. 

More specifically, request all the appropriate written documentation about your debt. This paperwork should outline who the funds were owed to, when you incurred the debt, and the exact type of debt. If the collector is unable to provide this documentation, or the documents include information about debts you never took out, these could be red flags that you’re dealing with a scammer.

Questions to Ask When You Receive Your First Collection Call

When your debt collector contacts you for the first time make sure you receive the following information and take note of it for your own records:

  • Ask if you are speaking with your original creditor or a debt collection company that has been hired.
  • Ask for the name of the person who you are speaking with, their phone number, and the name of the collection company they work for.
  • Ask for detailed information about the debt they are trying to collect. This may include who you owe the money to, how much money you owe and when the debt started.
  • Make sure the information you are provided sounds familiar to you. If it doesn’t, go back through your files and try to verify the information.

Pick Up Their Calls

Collection agencies will make every effort to get in touch with you to collect what you owe. While it may be easier to simply ignore these calls, you should deal with these agencies and make good on your debts.

Collection agencies are not allowed to harass you, but it’s still important that you make an effort to communicate with them and your creditors to deal with your debt. 

Negotiate With Them

In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate an agreement to come up with a more affordable repayment plan. When speaking to a collection agent, explain your situation and ask if there’s any chance that you can work out a different arrangement that will make it easier for you to cover your repayments.

How To Negotiate A Payment Plan 

Consider negotiating one of the following plans with the collection agency:

  • Partial payment. Start your negotiations by asking if you can reduce the full amount that you owe. Even a slight debt reduction can be just enough to help you afford your lowered payments
  • Payment plan. Crunch the numbers to determine how much you can afford to pay each month towards repaying the debt. Present this written-out plan to your collector to see if it’s possible to negotiate a lower monthly amount based on your finances. 

Tips On Dealing With Your Debt Collector In Canada

If the debt that your debt collector is trying to collect is, in fact, yours then it’s in your best interest to pay it off right away. Paying back the amount you owe as soon as you are contacted by a debt collector is the quickest and easiest way for you to fix the problem. However, keep these tips in mind when you are able to or decide to repay your debt:

  • Do not pay it back with cash.
  • Make sure that you receive a receipt or other form of verification for any and all payments you make.
  • Make sure you are dealing with the original debt collector who contacted you first. Furthermore, once you’ve been contacted by a debt collector do not try to contact your original creditor as this may cause confusion (unless absolutely necessary).

What Should You Do If The Debt Isn’t Yours?

Once you’ve verified the information provided to you by your debt collector, here’s what you should do:

Contact Your Creditors

Speak with your debt collector and explain to them why you don’t think the debt is yours. Then contact your original creditor to see if they can resolve the issue or tell you how to proceed.

Contact The Credit Bureau

Request a copy of your credit report from either Equifax or TransUnion. If you believe the debt on your credit report is an error, you’ll need to contact Equifax and TransUnion and your original creditor to get the error removed.

Incorrect information on your credit report can negatively affect your credit score. This can prevent you from getting approved for the credit and loans you may need in the future.

Your Rights When Dealing With A Debt Collector

There are laws in Canada that protect the consumer from unfair debt collection practices. When dealing with a debt collector here are some red flags that you should watch out for:

  • A debt collector is allowed to contact your family members, friends, and employer to ask for your contact information. But they are not allowed to ask for any other information. If a debt collector is harassing you, contact the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada right away.
  • A debt collector should never imply or ask for anyone but you to pay back your debt.
  • A debt collector should never use abusive, threatening or rude language.
  • A debt collector is not allowed to contact a consumer after 9pm or before 7am, on holidays or at certain times on Sunday.

Bottom Line

The best way to deal with debt collectors is by paying off the debts you owe. If you’re unable to afford to make payments, consider negotiating a payment plan or speaking to a credit counsellor. They can help you find a debt relief option that suits your situation.

Debt Collector FAQs

Are Debt Collectors in Canada Regulated?

In Canada, each province has rules in place to protect the consumer from unethical debt collection practices. You can contact the consumer affairs office of the province you live if you believe your debt collector is behaving unethically.  If you’re dealing with a debt collector hired by a financial institution that is federally regulated, you can contact the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada for details on your rights. 

What should I do if I can’t afford to pay my debt collector? 

Be as open and honest with your debt collector as possible. Explain your financial situation and the reason why you can’t pay back your debt right away. Then ask your debt collector about alternate repayment plans instead of one lump sum payment.

What is the statute of limitations?

The statute of limitations is the time a lender or creditor can pursue debts you owe them and take legal action against you. If the debt is not recovered or no payments have been made, then the lender or creditor cannot take any legal action against you. 

Lisa Rennie avatar on Loans Canada
Lisa Rennie

Lisa has been working as a personal finance writer for more than a decade, creating unique content that helps to educate Canadian consumers in the realms of real estate, mortgages, investing and financial health. For years, she held her real estate license in Toronto, Ontario before giving it up to pursue writing within this realm and related niches. Lisa is very serious about smart money management and helping others do the same.

More From This Author

Special Offers

More From Our Experts

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Fine-Option-Program.png
What Is The Fine Option Program?

By Lisa Rennie
Published on May 2, 2024

Do you have an expensive traffic ticket you need to pay? If you're short on cash, consider the Fine Option Program, which lets you work the fine off.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Debt-to-income-ratio.png
What Is Debt-To-Income Ratio And How To Calculate It?

By Lisa Rennie

Everything you need to know about what a debt-to-income ratio is and how it affects your ability to get approved for the loan you want.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/How-to-use-debt-to-make-money.png
How To Use Debt To Make Money

By Jessica Martel

Wondering how the rich get wealthy? Debt is often used to make money and get rich. Find out how debt is used to make money.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/debt-relief-options.png
Debt Relief Programs In Canada: What Are Your Options?

By Jessica Martel

Debt consolidation loans, debt management programs, debt settlement, consumer proposal and bankruptcy: Find out which option is right for you.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/statute-of-limitations-1.png
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Debt In Canada?

By Jessica Martel

Learn about the statute of limitations in Canada and how it can protect you from your creditors wanting to take legal action against you.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/predatory-lending.png
Debt Relief For Predatory Loans

By Lisa Rennie

Predatory lending is a problem many borrowers face when trying get a loan with bad credit. Here's how you can protect yourself.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Does-Bankruptcy-Affect-My-Spouse-In-Canada.png
Does Bankruptcy Affect My Spouse In Canada?

By Lisa Rennie

Does bankruptcy affect your spouse in Canada? Find out the implications of declaring bankruptcy when you have a spouse.

https://loanscanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Foreclosure-Credit-Score.png
How Does A Foreclosure Affect Your Credit Score?

By Lisa Rennie

Everything you need to know about how a foreclosure will affect your credit score.

Recognized As One Of Canada's Top Growing Companies

Loans Canada, the country's original loan comparison platform, is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's fastest growing companies by The Globe and Mail!

Read More

Why choose Loans Canada?

Apply Once &
Get Multiple Offers
Save Time
And Money
Get Your Free
Credit Score
Free
Service
Expert Tips
And Advice
Exclusive
Offers

Build Credit For Just $10/Month

With KOHO's prepaid card you can build a better credit score for just $10/month.

Koho Prepaid Credit Card