Are you getting debt collection calls about a debt that is not yours? Sometimes collectors have the wrong or outdated contact information. Here’s what you need to know to fix the problem.
Your debt collection rights in BC
Are you getting calls for John Smith when your name is Sally Anderson? You have the right to notify the collection agency that they have the wrong person. If they continue to call you after you’ve notified them properly, there are options for you.
What to do if it’s not your debt
To let them know that they have the wrong person, you must notify them in writing. Send your notification in a way that gives you proof of delivery (mail, fax, or email). Keep copies for your record and give the collection agency three to five business days to process your request.
- Notify a collection agency that you are not the debtor:
- Printable PDF form
- Online form (to use this form you must have the collection agency’s email).
What if the debt collector keeps calling you?
If the collector keeps calling you after a few business days, keep track of the calls by getting copies of your phone records or by taking pictures of your call display. Once you’ve done that, please submit a complaint to us directly so we can assess the situation.
Where to go for more information
We know dealing with debt can be stressful, especially if you’re getting collection calls. In BC, you have rights when it comes to debt collection. The law speaks to when a collector can contact you and how they can communicate with you. Learn more about your rights for debt collection in BC.
Financial advice isn’t something we can help you with directly but there are other options to consider. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada has tons of information about how to manage your debt and the different resources available.
You may also be interested in speaking to your financial institution or a financial advisor to see if they can offer you personalized advice on your financial situation.
About Consumer Protection BC
We’re a not-for-profit provincial regulator. We are responsible for licensing debt collectors and regulating certain aspects of the debt collection industry in BC. The laws we oversee capture your rights when it comes to credit reporting, debt collection, payday loans, high-cost loans, and certain aspects of debt repayment services. Find out more about us and the other industries and transactions we oversee by exploring our website.
Learn more about your rights when it comes to debt and borrowing.
More debt and borrowing resources
Managing debt
How to make a plan to manage your debt
Comparing different debt relief options
The impact of debt on your credit report
How to improve your credit score
How to build healthy financial habits
Debt collection
How to stop collection calls
What to do if it’s not your debt
The rules debt collectors must follow in BC
How to dispute a debt
Borrowing wisely
Things to think about before you take out a loan
Understanding the cost of your loan
The rules for payday lenders in BC
The risks of borrowing money from unlicensed lenders
Buy now, pay later plans: what you need to know
Tell us what you think for a chance to win!
The information above is part of a consumer education initiative on debt and borrowing in BC and we want your input!
By completing the survey, you will be entered to win one of two $300 prizes and you’ll support consumer education in the province. Your feedback will help us fine-tune our educational resources so we can continually improve and help more people make informed debt choices in BC.
We have been getting calls every day for almost two years now from this number: 647-776-8785. They always leave a voice message 63 seconds in length looking for Jason Strong. We are unable to contact them to say they have the wrong number. We only get notified through Shaw that we have a message, as our phone does not ring for their number anymore, so we have to manually go into our shaw account to delete the messages.
This is really harassment to receive calls EVERY DAY for so long. Can you make it stop please
Hi Michelle, thank you for contacting us. I did a quick internet search on the number but all I get is that it’s a debt collection robocall number. Are you able to contact Shaw (I think now Rogers) and see if you can receive the calls again so you can answer? You will have to figure out which agency is calling you first. Then you can use our form on our website to notify the collection agency that you are not the debtor. After receiving the form from you, the agency must stop contacting you and if they don’t, you can certainly contact us for further assistance. This is the BC law and they must follow it. I hope this information is helpful to you.
What are you supposed to do when you have been a victim of Fraud, and it has been proven/ eradicated by both TransUnion and Equifax but a collections agency keeps contacting you? Through both phone calls and texts..
Thanks!
Hi Kirstie, thanks for reaching out to us. If you don’t believe you owe a debt, you have the right to dispute it. When you do this, the collector must not contact you until the issue is resolved through the courts. The proper way to do this is explained in this link here: https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/2024/01/how-to-dispute-a-debt-in-bc/. I hope this helps.
We got scammer with purchasing a car with lien on it. He faked the lien release letter and signed bill of sale with us. We called police as soon as we found out and police informed us this guy has criminal record in the system and looks like we are not gonna get the money back. Now the car has been written off and collection company is after the check as well. Anyway we can keep the check to cover our loss or it has to go to the bank to pay off the lien.
Thanks
We are getting MULTIPLE collections agencies calling the WRONG person!!!!! We got the Better Business Bureau involved. It stopped for a time. Files were supposedly updated. Evidently NOT. Because we’re now on round 3 with other various agencies, having gotten calls 10-15 times a day previously. This is NOTHING SHORT OF HARRASSMENT!!! We called Equifax who was supposed to call us back with a manager – they have NOT!!!! What are we supposed to do??? Thi is my husband’s work phone. He cannot change his number!!!!!
Hi Tina, thanks for reaching out to us about the issue. That sounds stressful. The steps for what you should do if you or your husband are being contacted about a debt that’s not yours are detailed in the post above. We have a specific form for you to send to the collection agencies. The Better Business Bureau and Equifax would not have oversight here. Once you read the info above and follow the steps, please let me know if you have questions.