ARE SASKATCHEWAN BILL COLLECTION AGENCIES OR BILL COLLECTORS MAKING YOUR LIFE MISERABLE?

A Saskatchewan Collection Agency Cannot:

It is against the law to

• Deliberately mislead you with a document that looks like a legal document or a court form
• Threaten to repossess goods without having the proper authority to do so
• Remove any goods unless you or an adult having possession and use of the merchandise is present at the time and is aware of the removal, except with court authority
• Harass neighbours or friends to locate the whereabouts of you and your family.
• Seize or attempt to seize any item other than what they are authorized to seize
• Harass you or your family at any time, in any manner.
• Make threats of any kind.
• Phone or visit before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. You can try sending them a no trespass notice if they come to your home
• Phone or visit on a Sunday or a statutory holiday
• Phone or telegram collect

If the collection agency or what appears to be their legal staff make written or verbal threats of legal action, have a lawyer send you a `draft` statement of claim or use other shady tactics report them to the

SASKATCHEWAN LAW SOCIETY

 

However you should never trust a law society to actually help you.

 

A bill collector must give you her full name, his or her company’s name, and the name of the business or person who is requesting money and the balance owing, and may not request more than what is owed.

Service fees for collection agents cannot be added to the sum owing unless the law provides for it.

If you decide to make a payment to the collector, use a money order, do not send a cheque with your banking information on it. Only a fool would pay cash. Ask for a signed receipt. The receipt should be dated and include the name of the business or person requesting payment and the amount paid.

Canada Trusts

CANLAW

On line Since 1996