5. Make a complaint

There are a few things you can do if you:

• have trouble talking to a collection agency
• think that they’re breaking the law

Complain to the collection agency

Before you complain about a collection agency, you may want to call them to see if you can fix the problem without making a complaint.

For example, if they still contact you after you sent them a registered letter asking them not to, tell them you’ll make a complaint if they don’t stop.

You can also try speaking to the director of the collection agency.

Sometimes the collection agency will stop breaking the rules if you tell them that you know your rights. For example, if they’re calling you at times they’re not supposed to, tell them that you know they’re breaking the law.

Complain to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

If a collection agency does not follow the rules, you can complain to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services.

The Ministry looks into whether the collection agency has been following the law.

The Ministry can:

• tell the collection agency to not collect from you
• order the collection agency to stop contacting you
• fine the collection agency
• stop the collection agency from doing business

Take other steps

If the collection agency threatens you, you may be able to:

• report them to the police
• sue them in Small Claims Court

But, you should get legal help before doing either of these things.