Code of Ethics for Collectors

The Collection Agencies Act sets out a code of ethics for Ontario's collection agencies and this is what collection agencies can and can't do:

The regulations forbid collection agencies from:

• trying to collect a debt without first notifying the debtor in writing, at the debtors last known address, that they have been assigned to the account
• recommending or initiating legal or court action on the collection of a debt without first notifying the debtor and obtaining the creditor's written permission
• making telephone or personal calls of such a nature or frequency to constitute harassment of the debtor or the debtors family
• calling to collect a debt on a Sunday, statutory holiday or before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
• implying or giving false or misleading information to any person that could damage the debtor or debtors family
• demanding payment of a debt without giving the name and authority of the creditor, the collector and the balance of the money owed
• continuing to demand payment from a person who claims not to owe the money, unless the collector has tried every way to ensure the person actually is the debtor
• taking over a debt from a creditor without first advising the debtor

Also:

Collectors are not, generally, allowed to contact a debtors friends, employer, relatives or neighbors for information other than the debtors telephone number or address. The only exceptions are contacting a person about a debt they've guaranteed to pay for the debtor or contacting an employer about payment connected with a wage assignment or a court order, or to confirm employment.

If you believe any of the above regulations have been breached by a collection agency, contact the head of the agency. If you're still not satisfied, Contact Ministry of Government Services  at http://www.mgs.gov.on.ca or call:

Toll Free: 1.800.268.1142 or 1.416.326.8555  for: General Ministry Information
Toll Free: 1.800.889.9768 or 1.416.326.8800 for Consumer Information and Advice
1.416.326.8566 TTY /Teletypewriter users only or Toll Free: 1.800.268.7095

Visit http://consumerinformation.ca there is a link to a complaint courier where you can actually file your complaint against a creditor or collection agent online.