Dealing with Debt Collectors - Revision history

Drew Jackson: /* Legal advice */

2023-11-07T01:03:03Z

Legal advice

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:03, 7 November 2023
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	:Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them.		:Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them.
	:Call 1-800-663-1919		:Call 1-800-663-1919
	:Visit website		:[https://www.accessprobono.ca/our-programs/lawyer-referral-service Visit website]

	:'''Access Pro Bono's Free Legal Advice'''		:'''Access Pro Bono's Free Legal Advice'''
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	:P'''eople’s Law School'''		:P'''eople’s Law School'''
	:See more options for free or low-cost legal help.		:See more options for free or low-cost legal help.
	:[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/options-legal-help/~~?utm_source=beagle~~ Visit website]		:[https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/options-legal-help/ Visit website]

	{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox\|type=consumer}}		{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox\|type=consumer}}
	{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}		{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}

Drew Jackson: /* Work out the problem */

2023-11-07T01:00:34Z

Work out the problem

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:00, 7 November 2023
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	If it’s a '''collection agent''', they must be licensed by Consumer Protection BC. You can use the licence search on their website to find out if the agent is properly licensed. [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/check-a-licence-search/ Visit the Consumer Protection BC website].		If it’s a '''collection agent''', they must be licensed by Consumer Protection BC. You can use the licence search on their website to find out if the agent is properly licensed. [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/check-a-licence-search/ Visit the Consumer Protection BC website].


	===Step 3. Contact the debt collector===		===Step 3. Contact the debt collector===

Drew Jackson: /* Work out the problem */

2023-11-07T01:00:21Z

Work out the problem

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:00, 7 November 2023
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	==Work out the problem==		==Work out the problem==
	~~===The steps involved===~~
	There are steps you can take to work out a problem with a debt collector.		There are steps you can take to work out a problem with a debt collector.

	~~'''~~Step 1~~'''~~. Keep a record of all communications		===Step 1. Keep a record of all communications===

	~~'''Step 2'''. Research the debt collector~~

	~~'''Step 3'''. Contact the debt collector~~

	~~'''Step 4'''. Complain to Consumer Protection BC~~

	~~M===ore on each step===~~
	~~'''Step 1. Keep a record of all communications'''<br>~~
	If you run into problems with a debt collector, start with creating a paper trail. Keep records of all your correspondence. This includes anything they say to you — or anyone else — about the debt you owe.		If you run into problems with a debt collector, start with creating a paper trail. Keep records of all your correspondence. This includes anything they say to you — or anyone else — about the debt you owe.

	Record the date, time, and content of any phone calls or messages you receive.		Record the date, time, and content of any phone calls or messages you receive.

	~~'''~~Step 2. Research the debt collector~~'''<br>~~		===Step 2. Research the debt collector===

	Confirm the identity of the debt collector. Use caller ID or tracing if you have to.		Confirm the identity of the debt collector. Use caller ID or tracing if you have to.

	If it’s a '''collection agent''', they must be licensed by Consumer Protection BC. You can use the licence search on their website to find out if the agent is properly licensed. [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/check-a-licence-search/ Visit the Consumer Protection BC website].		If it’s a '''collection agent''', they must be licensed by Consumer Protection BC. You can use the licence search on their website to find out if the agent is properly licensed. [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/check-a-licence-search/ Visit the Consumer Protection BC website].
	~~'''~~
	Step 3. Contact the debt collector~~'''<br>~~
	First, a caution: If you’re being asked to pay a debt and you think the limitation period may have expired, seek legal advice ''before'' contacting the debt collector. If you contact the collector, you may restart the limitation period. ([https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/~~everyday-legal~~-~~problems/resolving-disputes/~~legal-help~~-lawyers~~/~~options-legal-help~~ There are options for free or low-cost legal advice].)		===Step 3. Contact the debt collector===

			First, a caution: If you’re being asked to pay a debt and you think the limitation period may have expired, seek legal advice ''before'' contacting the debt collector. If you contact the collector, you may restart the limitation period. ([https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/options-legal-help/ There are options for free or low-cost legal advice].)

	Tell the debt collector you want to see written notice of the debt, if you haven’t gotten it already. (They’re legally required to wait five days after giving you written notice before they call you.)		Tell the debt collector you want to see written notice of the debt, if you haven’t gotten it already. (They’re legally required to wait five days after giving you written notice before they call you.)
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	Also, consider sending a written letter outlining your proposal for paying back the debt. The collector may agree to change the terms to make it easier for you.		Also, consider sending a written letter outlining your proposal for paying back the debt. The collector may agree to change the terms to make it easier for you.

	~~'''~~Step 4. Complain to Consumer Protection BC~~'''<br>~~		===Step 4. Complain to Consumer Protection BC===

	If the harassment continues, you can make a complaint to Consumer Protection BC. They oversee debt collectors and license collection agents in the province.		If the harassment continues, you can make a complaint to Consumer Protection BC. They oversee debt collectors and license collection agents in the province.

	You can contact them by phone or make a complaint. [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/~~consumer-help/start-a~~-~~complaint~~/ See the Consumer Protection BC website].		You can contact them by phone or make a complaint. [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/complaint-assistant/ See the Consumer Protection BC website].

	===Go deeper===		===Go deeper===
	Want to go further? We offer more detailed guidance on your rights and how to deal with debt collectors. [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca~~/everyday-legal-problems/money-debt/dealing-debt~~/dealing-debt-collectors See our in-depth coverage of this topic].		Want to go further? We offer more detailed guidance on your rights and how to deal with debt collectors. [https://www.peopleslawschool.ca/dealing-debt-collectors/ See our in-depth coverage of this topic].

	==Who can help==		==Who can help==

Drew Jackson: Drew Jackson moved page Harassment by Debt Collectors (No. 252) to Dealing with Debt Collectors: Taking out recording numbers

2023-11-06T19:07:13Z

Drew Jackson moved page Harassment by Debt Collectors (No. 252) to Dealing with Debt Collectors: Taking out recording numbers

← Older revision	Revision as of 19:07, 6 November 2023
(No difference)

Elena Renderos: /* Legal advice */

2023-10-02T19:51:21Z

Legal advice

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:51, 2 October 2023
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	Getting legal advice can help you clarify how to proceed.		Getting legal advice can help you clarify how to proceed.

	:Lawyer Referral Service		:'''Lawyer Referral Service'''
	:Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them.		:Helps you connect with a lawyer for a complimentary 15-minute consult to see if you want to hire them.
	:Call 1-800-663-1919		:Call 1-800-663-1919

Elena Renderos at 19:50, 2 October 2023

2023-10-02T19:50:57Z

Show changes

Drew Jackson at 22:04, 29 March 2019

2019-03-29T22:04:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:04, 29 March 2019
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	{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [http://creaseharman.com/r-bruce-e-hallsor/ Bruce Hallsor QC], Crease Harman\|date= July 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = money}}		{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [http://creaseharman.com/r-bruce-e-hallsor/ Bruce Hallsor QC], Crease Harman\|date= July 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = money}}
	If you're behind on debt payments, there are laws to protect you from harassment by collectors. For example, collectors can’t use threatening language or contact you during certain times of day.		If you're behind on debt payments, there are laws to protect you from '''harassment''' by collectors. For example, collectors can’t use threatening language or contact you during certain times of day.

	==Understand your legal rights==		==Understand your legal rights==
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	:Web: [http://www.nomoredebts.org/ nomoredebts.org]		:Web: [http://www.nomoredebts.org/ nomoredebts.org]


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	{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox\|type=consumer}}		{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox\|type=consumer}}
	{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}		{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}

Elena Renderos at 08:07, 28 March 2019

2019-03-28T08:07:44Z

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	{{~~Dial~~-A-~~Law Blurb~~}}		{{REVIEWEDPLS \| reviewer = [http://creaseharman.com/r-bruce-e-hallsor/ Bruce Hallsor QC], Crease Harman\|date= July 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = money}}

	{{Dial-A-Law TOC\|expanded = ~~credit~~}}
	If you're behind on debt payments, there are laws to protect you from harassment by collectors. For example, collectors can’t use threatening language or contact you during certain times of day.		If you're behind on debt payments, there are laws to protect you from harassment by collectors. For example, collectors can’t use threatening language or contact you during certain times of day.

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	No. A collector cannot try to collect a debt from someone who doesn’t owe the money. Consumer Protection BC offers a [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Not-the-debtor.pdf form to advise a collector you are not the debtor].		No. A collector cannot try to collect a debt from someone who doesn’t owe the money. Consumer Protection BC offers a [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Not-the-debtor.pdf form to advise a collector you are not the debtor].

	If you ''are'' responsible for the debt, things are different. For example, if you [[Co-Signing or Guaranteeing a Loan (~~Script~~ 248)\|guaranteed or co-signed a loan]], a collector can come to you for payment. In such a case, the collector would still need to follow the rules explained here.		If you ''are'' responsible for the debt, things are different. For example, if you [[Co-Signing or Guaranteeing a Loan (No. 248)\|guaranteed or co-signed a loan]], a collector can come to you for payment. In such a case, the collector would still need to follow the rules explained here.

	==Get help==		==Get help==
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	:Web: [http://www.nomoredebts.org/ nomoredebts.org]		:Web: [http://www.nomoredebts.org/ nomoredebts.org]



	~~[updated July 2018]~~

	~~'''The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by [http://creaseharman.com/r-bruce-e-hallsor/ Bruce Hallsor QC], Crease Harman.'''~~

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	{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}		{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}}

	~~{{Dial-A-Law_Navbox\|type=credit}}~~

Drew Jackson: Drew Jackson moved page Harassment by Debt Collectors (Script 252) to Harassment by Debt Collectors (No. 252): Aligning title to new website

2019-03-13T01:27:11Z

Drew Jackson moved page Harassment by Debt Collectors (Script 252) to Harassment by Debt Collectors (No. 252): Aligning title to new website

← Older revision	Revision as of 01:27, 13 March 2019
(No difference)

Dial-A-Law: /* How a collector can contact you= */

2019-02-17T22:58:49Z

How a collector can contact you=

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:58, 17 February 2019
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	A collector can’t be deceptive. For example, they can’t send you letters that look like they come from the government when they don’t. That’s considered false information designed to scare you.		A collector can’t be deceptive. For example, they can’t send you letters that look like they come from the government when they don’t. That’s considered false information designed to scare you.

	==How a collector can contact you===		===How a collector can contact you===

	====The collector must first send you written notice====		====The collector must first send you written notice====
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	Once you notify the collector and the creditor that you dispute the debt, a collector must stop communicating with you.		Once you notify the collector and the creditor that you dispute the debt, a collector must stop communicating with you.

	To dispute a debt, you must contact the collector and the creditor in writing. Consumer Protection BC offers a [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Debt-in-dispute.pdf form you can use to dispute a debt].		To dispute a debt, you must contact the collector and the creditor in writing. Consumer Protection BC offers a [https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Debt-in-dispute.pdf form you can use to dispute a debt].

	==Common questions==		==Common questions==