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Pocket Card: When a Debt Collector Calls

A collector can ask you to pay. It cannot harass you, call at any hour, or talk to your boss. Your rights, on one card.

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Pocket Card
Ontario

If a collector keeps calling.

A collector CANNOT
  • Threaten you or use abusive, profane, or intimidating language.
  • Call late at night, early morning, or on statutory holidays. Sundays are limited.
  • Call you over and over. Frequency is capped once they reach you.
  • Tell your family or neighbours about the debt, or contact your employer except in narrow cases.
Make it stop
  • You can require all contact in writing, or only through your lawyer.
  • Send a dated letter saying so. Keep a copy. It can end the calls and creates a record.
Remember
  • These rules apply to the original creditor too, not only hired agencies.
  • Disputing the debt is separate. You can dispute and demand written contact at the same time.
If they break the rules
  • Log every call: date, time, number, what was said.
  • Complain to Consumer Protection Ontario with your records.
printmag.org
General information, not legal advice. Ontario, 2026.