The law in BC attempts to draw a balance between the right of a creditor to collect on a debt and the right of a debtor to be treated in a reasonable and respectable manner. The following tips are intended to help individuals and collection agencies understand what is and is not permitted under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act (BPCP Act).

Collection agencies:

• must first send written notice to the debtor with the name of the original creditor, the amount of debt, and the identity and authority of the collection agent;
• must wait 5 days after sending the notice before commencing collection activity;
• can call the debtor at work to obtain their home address or phone number;
• can call or attempt to call the debtor once at work if they have not been able to contact debtor at home;
• can call the debtor at work if the debtor says it’s okay to do so; and
• must stop calling if the debtor makes a written request that all contact be in writing and provides the creditor with a mailing address.

To view Consumer Protection BC's information bulletin about debt collection, please click here.