Know your rights. In Canada, it is illegal for a collection agency or creditor to call your workplace. It is also illegal for creditors to use threatening language or to call you so often that it becomes harassment. But the frequent phone calls and letters that do fall within legal boundaries can create a sense of dread and constant oppression, adding to the stress generated by a financial crisis.
Once you sign your application for a consumer proposal or bankruptcy, your trustee will contact all your creditors, who are now legally barred from contacting you. Your creditors must now direct all calls and letters to the bankruptcy trustee. Furthermore, your creditors can no longer take funds directly from your account (although, because of delays and human/computer error, it is a good idea to open an account in a new bank before you start the bankruptcy process).
A Consumer's Guide to Collection Agencies |
