Dealing with debt collection agencies can be a daunting experience, and it’s important to understand your rights and obligations as a debtor.

In Alberta, Canada, there are specific laws and regulations that govern the process of debt collection.

Knowing the do’s and don’ts when dealing with debt collectors can make all the difference in resolving your debt while protecting your rights.

In this article, we’ll explore the Alberta debt collection laws and provide tips on how to handle debt collectors so that you can take steps towards becoming debt-free.

What are debt collection agencies?

Debt collection agencies, also known as debt repayment agencies, are companies that specialize in collecting unpaid debts on behalf of creditors.

They may be specialist debt recovery companies, or even a law firm with a debt collection department.

These agencies are hired to recover the outstanding debt owed by debtors, and they use various methods to collect the debt, such as sending letters, making phone calls, and negotiating payment plans.

Debt collection agencies may also take legal action against debtors who fail to pay their debts.

Some debt collection agencies specialize in certain types of debt, such as medical debt or credit card debt, while others collect more general debts owed to clients.

How does the debt collection process work in Alberta?

The debt collection process in Alberta is similar to the process used throughout Canada.

When a debt collection agency is hired to collect a debt in Alberta, Canada, they are required by law to send the debtor a written notice informing them of their rights and obligations.

This notice is commonly referred to as a “collection notice” and is sent by mail to the debtor’s last known address.

Once the debt collection agency has sent a collection notice to the debtor, a debt repayment agent will typically attempt to contact the debtor by phone within a week to follow up on the debt.

The purpose of the phone call is to confirm the debtor’s contact information, discuss the debt, and try to negotiate a payment plan.

If the debtor and the debt collection agency are unable to come to an agreement on how to repay the debt, the debt collection agency may continue to try to negotiate a payment plan with the debtor.

In some cases, the agency may be willing to accept a partial payment or a settlement offer if it means that they can recover at least some of the debt, but if no agreement can be reached, they may consider initiating legal action.

Alberta debt collection laws

In Alberta, debt collection agencies are regulated by the Fair Trading Act, and there are specific rules that they must follow when attempting to collect a debt.

Below are some of the do’s and don’ts for debt collection agencies in Alberta:

What a debt collection agency can do

• Contact the debtor by phone, mail, or email to discuss the debt
• Attempt to negotiate a payment plan or settlement offer
• Contact the debtor’s employer or bank to verify their employment or bank account information
• Obtain a court order to seize assets or garnish wages if legal action is taken
• Share information about the debt with the creditor, credit reporting agencies, and other authorized parties

What a debt collection agency can’t do

• Use threatening or abusive language
• Contact the debtor outside of specific hours (before 7:00 am or after 9:00 pm)
• Call the debtor repeatedly in a short period of time
• Misrepresent themselves or the debt in question, or use false or misleading information
• Garnish wages or seize assets without a court order
• Continue to contact the debtor after receiving a written request to stop
• Contact the debtor’s friends, family, or employer about the debt
• Add unauthorized fees or charges to the debt
• Fail to acknowledge the receipt of cash transactions

If a debtor believes that a debt collection agency is engaging in unfair or abusive practices, they can file a complaint with the Alberta Consumer Services Division.

The division may investigate the complaint and take action against the debt collection agency if necessary.

How long can a collection agency pursue money owed in Alberta?

In Alberta, the length of time that a debt collection agency can pursue a debt depends on the type of debt and the length of time since the debtor last acknowledged the debt.

Under the Alberta Limitations Act, most debts have a limitation period of two years. This means that a creditor or debt collection agency has two years from the date of the last payment or acknowledgment of the debt to take legal action to recover the debt.

However, there are some exceptions to the two-year limitation period. For example, debts related to mortgages or secured loans may have a longer limitation period. Additionally, the limitation period may be extended if the debtor has made a partial payment or acknowledged the debt in writing within the two-year period.

How do I deal with debts owed to debt repayment agencies?

If you owe a debt to a debt repayment agency in Alberta, it’s important to take action to address the debt and avoid further financial problems.

Here are some steps you can take to deal with debts owed to debt repayment agencies in Alberta:

Don’t ignore your unpaid debts

Ignoring your debts will only make the situation worse. The debt will continue to accrue interest and fees, and the debt collection agency may take legal action to recover the debt.

Negotiate a debt repayment agreement

Contact the debt repayment agency and try to negotiate a repayment plan that works for you. Be honest about your financial situation and what you can realistically afford to pay.

The agency may be willing to accept a partial payment or a settlement offer.

Consider a formal debt repayment program

If you have multiple debts or are struggling to make payments, you may want to consider a formal debt repayment program like a consumer proposal.

These programs are often government-backed and allow you to consolidate your debts and make a single monthly payment towards what you owe, making the repayment process more manageable for you.

What happens if I ignore a debt repayment agency?

If you ignore a debt repayment agency in Alberta, it can lead to a number of negative consequences.

Below are some of the potential consequences of ignoring a debt repayment agency.

Visits by debt repayment agents

If you ignore a debt repayment agency, they may attempt to contact you through other means, such as in-person visits to your home or workplace.

These visits can be disruptive and cause stress and embarrassment.

Damage to your credit history

Ignoring a debt repayment agency can also result in damage to your credit history. The agency might report your delinquent account to credit bureaus, which can negatively impact your credit score and make it difficult to obtain credit in the future.

Potential legal proceedings

If you continue to ignore the debt repayment agency, they may take legal action to recover the debt. This can include filing a claim in court, obtaining a judgment against you, and garnishing your wages or bank accounts.

Legal proceedings can be costly and time-consuming, and they can further damage your credit history.

Where can I get more advice on debt collection and debt repayment?

If you’re struggling with debt and seeking a way to move forward, A. Fisher & Associates can assist you.

As Licensed Insolvency Trustees, we understand the impact that debt can have on your well-being. We can help you overcome problem debt and regain control of your finances.

Our team is experienced in developing personalized debt repayment agreements that fit your financial circumstances. We can help you explore all available options and guide you through the process from beginning to end.

Don’t wait until the debt collectors come knocking, take action now. Contact one of our friendly advisors today.