Many visitors to this blog are experiencing a problem with a collection agency. On our website hoyes.com you can read the letter of direction issued by a Registrar with the Ministry of Small Business to the collection agency industry in Ontario.

I have seen many people who have received a document that looks like a court order but with the word “draft” in the corner. This is done to appear that the collection agency was about to start legal action. However, this is just a form letter designed to scare the debtor into make a payment.

If you have received such “draft” letters or letters from lawyers that don’t identify who they are working for you should contact the following government office:
Consumer Protections Branch
5775 Yonge Street, Suite 1500
Toronto, ON M7A 2E5
Tel: 416-326-8802
Toll free: 1-800-889-9768
Fax: 416-326-8810

By sending copies of your letters to the government you will help to clean-up this deceptive practice on the part of collection agencies. This number can also be used for any other complaints or concerns you may have about collection agencies in general.

The reality is that if you have collection agencies calling you, you should speak with a professional about dealing with your debts. We can arrange a no charge, no obligation meeting to meet with either myself or Catherine Ouellette. In many cases, we will tell you that filing for bankruptcy or a consumer proposal is not the best option and we can refer you to a credit counsellor.

Call our office at 310-PLAN or email me to review your financial situation.