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Difference between revisions of "A Debt Collector Is Harassing Me"
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A Debt Collector Is Harassing Me (view source)
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{{Tipsbox | {{Tipsbox | ||
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| tips = For information about unreasonable debt collection practices concerning | | tips = For information about unreasonable debt collection practices concerning ''student loans'', call: | ||
* 1-800-667-0135 about federal student loans, or | * 1-800-667-0135 about federal student loans, or | ||
* 1-250-387-6100 about provincial student loans. | * 1-250-387-6100 about provincial student loans. | ||
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# It is important to put an immediate stop to the calls, and take control of negotiating a solution. If you are not able to do this by yourself, seek immediate legal help or <span class="noglossary">contact</span> [[Consumer Protection BC]]. In the meantime, record the dates, times and content of all communications they have with you and others about the debt. Insist on getting something in writing, and use caller identification or tracing if the collector refuses to properly identify themselves. | # It is important to put an immediate stop to the calls, and take control of negotiating a solution. If you are not able to do this by yourself, seek immediate legal help or <span class="noglossary">contact</span> [[Consumer Protection BC]]. In the meantime, record the dates, times and content of all communications they have with you and others about the debt. Insist on getting something in writing, and use caller identification or tracing if the collector refuses to properly identify themselves. | ||
# Try to negotiate payments with the debt collector. He or she <span class="noglossary">will</span> want to know your financial circumstances (income, expenses, assets and liabilities). You should not agree to a payment that deprives you or your family of basic needs or give out personal information other than financial information. | # Try to negotiate payments with the debt collector. He or she <span class="noglossary">will</span> want to know your financial circumstances (income, expenses, assets and liabilities). You should not agree to a payment that deprives you or your family of basic needs or give out personal information other than financial information. | ||
# If you are unable to negotiate a repayment plan with the debt collector, see the section of this Guide entitled, "[[I don't have enough money to pay my debts]]" | # If you are unable to negotiate a repayment plan with the debt collector, see the section of this Guide entitled, "[[I don't have enough money to pay my debts]]." | ||
# If a debt collector is using unreasonable debt collection methods, including insisting on a payment when they know you are living in poverty, <span class="noglossary">contact</span> [[Consumer Protection BC]] at 1-888-564-9963 and ask to speak with the Complaints Manager about the collection agency you are dealing with. | # If a debt collector is using unreasonable debt collection methods, including insisting on a payment when they know you are living in poverty, <span class="noglossary">contact</span> [[Consumer Protection BC]] at 1-888-564-9963 and ask to speak with the Complaints Manager about the collection agency you are dealing with. | ||
== What happens next == | == What happens next == | ||
If you <span class="noglossary">contact</span> Consumer Protection BC, the Complaints Manager <span class="noglossary">will</span> <span class="noglossary">contact</span> the collector if he or she feels the practice is unreasonable and ask the collector to stop the practice. Consumer Protection BC can also require the collector to follow a | If you <span class="noglossary">contact</span> Consumer Protection BC, the Complaints Manager <span class="noglossary">will</span> <span class="noglossary">contact</span> the collector if he or she feels the practice is unreasonable and ask the collector to stop the practice. Consumer Protection BC can also require the collector to follow a ''compliance order'' to stop future unreasonable practices. | ||
If you suffer loss or damages because of the unreasonable practices of a collector, you can sue them in | If you suffer loss or damages because of the unreasonable practices of a collector, you can sue them in | ||
