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Consumer Protection Bc Debt Collection

Whether you realize it or not, there are laws that are governed by Consumer Protection BC that exist to prevent debt collectors from being, shall we say overzealous, in their debt collection methods. According to Consumer Protection BC, debt collection must be done with integrity and in compliance with said laws. If debt collectors do not comply, there are remedies that we can seek on your behalf.

Consumer Protection BC Debt Collection laws prevent debt collectors, from among other things, threatening and harassing debtors, as they have the habit of doing in the United States. Consumer Protection BC licenses and oversees the behaviour of debt collectors and debt collection agencies in British Columbia.

Aside from Harassment, What Else Does Consumer Protection BC Debt Collection Laws Protect Me From?

Additionally, debt collectors may only call or attempt to contact you during certain times of the day. Smythe Insolvency can help you to learn your rights and enforce them! The first step is knowing! But before you can determine the law and how it applies to your situation, you first must be able to distinguish between a debt collector and a collection agent. Collection agents are known for using more aggressive collection tactics, as they only get paid when they collect money.

If a debt collector or collection agent is treating you badly or not obeying the laws that exist to protect people like you, an informed person can take advantage of the different ways to go about putting a stop to it. Consumer Protection BC debt collection laws can hold them both accountable. Smythe Insolvency invites you to contact us today for reliable and helpful legal counsel. We can put help you put an end to the unlawful behavior of debt collectors and possibly even seek damages from them.

How Do I Know if a Debt Collector is Harassing Me?

Debt collectors or agents are breaking the law if and when they harass you. Although there is often a fine line between being assertive and harassing, some examples of harassment might include:

  • The use of threatening or intimidating language
  • Using Profanity
  • Abusing authority to obtain funds
  • Telling lies to the debtor in an attempt to scare or coerce the debtor
  • Being deceptive in any way
  • And more!

Also, there are strict laws governing the times in which a debt collector can communicate with you. According to BC law, debt collectors may not attempt to contact a debtor by phone or in-person outside of the following times:

Mon-Sat: 7:00am - 9:00pm
Sun: 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Debt collectors may not call or contact you on statutory holidays at any time.

Can a Debt Collector Harass Me at Work in BC?

Further, debt collectors who try to contact a debtor at work may only do so under limited circumstances, such as when they do not have the debtor's address, phone, or email. This assumes that you have not given the debt collector permission to contact you at work. If the debt collector has tried to contact you at home without success, they may legally attempt to contact you only once at work.

Smythe LLP
201-1825 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1

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