Can a debt collector call you at work? Top 3 eye-opening facts about debt collection in BC

VICTORIA, BC, Oct. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - With Financial Literacy Month set to kick off on Nov. 1, Consumer Protection BC is sharing three little-known facts about what debt collectors are (and aren't) allowed to do when collecting debts from BC consumers.

Now in its 10th year of operation, Consumer Protection BC administers BC's consumer protection laws, including the province's debt collection law. Of every five consumers who contacts Consumer Protection BC, one is calling about a debt collection-related issue.

"It's clear consumers are still not fully aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to debt collection," says Tatiana Chabeaux-Smith, spokesperson for Consumer Protection BC. "My advice for consumers getting calls from a collector? Answer the phone. I acknowledge it can stressful, but avoiding the calls won't make the problem go away, and there are ways you can try to resolve the issue."

Three little-known facts about debt collection in BC:

• Fact #1: A debt collector can't call your workplace, except in these instances:
  • To ask you for your home address and phone number (but only if they don't already have it);
  • To make one attempt at collecting the debt; and
  • To confirm your employment, title and business address with your employer.
    
    
• Fact #2: You can request that a collection agency contact you in writing only (and not by phone). To do this, fill out a form available on Consumer Protection BC's website (www.debtrightsbc.ca) and send it to the collection agency. Once the agency receives this letter, they are not allowed to contact you by phone.
  
  
• Fact #3: A debt collector can call you on a Sunday. But only between 1 and 5 p.m (your time). During the rest of the week, Mondays through Saturdays, debt collectors are limited to calling you in the hours between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. On statutory holidays, debt collectors aren't allowed to call at all.

Together, the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and the Debt Collection Industry Regulation set out rules for the licensing of debt collectors and for how collectors are allowed to communicate with consumers. For more information, or to file a complaint, visit Consumer Protection BC online at www.debtrightsbc.ca or call 1-888-564-9963.

About Consumer Protection BC:
Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit corporation that was created to strengthen consumer protection in BC and enforce consumer protection laws. We balance the interests of all parties to promote a marketplace that is fair for both BC consumers and BC businesses. We licence and inspect specific industries, respond to inquiries through our Inquiry Centre, investigate alleged violations of consumer protection laws, and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities under the law. For more information about our organization, please visit our corporate website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca. You can also follow Consumer Protection BC on Twitter @ConsumerProBC, like us on Facebook and read our blog for valuable consumer tips and resources.

Image with caption: "Tatiana Chabeaux-Smith, spokesperson for Consumer Protection BC (CNW Group/Consumer Protection BC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141027_C2693_PHOTO_EN_7084.jpg

SOURCE: Consumer Protection BC

Media Contact Only: 1-888-564-9963 ext. 2824, [email protected]