Saanich, BC – October 7, 2026 – Consumer Protection BC has imposed $34,000 in administrative penalties on BC-based debt collector Toledo Credit Inc. The decision found the company harassed and gave false or misleading information to six consumers while trying to collect their debts.
In one case, Consumer Protection BC found Toledo Credit harassed and misled a borrower when it sent emails and text messages such as, “Your file will be presented to RCMP, CRA and provincial crime units. Payment is the ONLY abort code. Financial annihilation imminent” and “immediate civil litigation and criminal referral due to confirmed pattern of chronic payment deception.” The company also used terms such as “FINANCIAL EXILE” and “REPUTATIONAL DESTRUCTION” to threaten the person into paying their debt.
The regulator also found the company threatened consumers with serious consequences, including police involvement, blacklisting from financial services, asset seizure and wage garnishment. It falsely claimed these actions had been initiated or were about to occur.
Toledo Credit does not require a collection agency license because it only collects debts owed to it directly, but the business still must comply with BC collection laws.
The decision maker found Toledo Credit’s communications were calculated to create fear of criminal, financial, professional and reputational consequences which extended far beyond ordinary debt collection practices. Toledo Credit is ordered to pay a $34,000 administrative penalty, reimburse $3,000 to Consumer Protection BC for inspection costs and change its collection practices.
“Collectors can ask people to repay a debt, but they can’t harass them or use false or misleading information to pressure them into paying,” says Louise Hartland, director of public relations for Consumer Protection BC. “This decision sends a clear message anyone in BC collecting a debt: collection communications must be accurate, lawful and responsible. Businesses need to consider the content, tone, frequency and overall effect of their messages.”
Debt collectors are allowed to contact people about the debts they owe. People who believe a debt collector is harassing them should keep copies of texts, emails, voicemails and account records.
Borrowers can ask a debt collector to contact them only in writing and can use Consumer Protection BC’s online tools to dispute a debt or stop collection calls.
Toledo Credit has until October 26, 2026 to request a reconsideration of the decision.
Read the decision documents and summary.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Louise Hartland
Director of Public Relations
media@consumerprotectionbc.ca
About Consumer Protection BC
Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit regulator responsible for overseeing specific industries and consumer transactions in British Columbia. The organization’s mandate includes licensing and inspecting regulated businesses, responding to consumer inquiries, investigating alleged violations of consumer protection laws, and classifying all general release motion pictures.
With a focus on fairness and accountability, Consumer Protection BC works to ensure consumers are informed and protected. For more information, including recent enforcement actions and details about inspection and complaint-handling processes, visit consumerprotectionbc.ca. The organization also shares valuable consumer tips and resources through its blog and social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.