Licensed Collection Agencies and Collectors
Although businesses usually try to collect their unpaid bills themselves, if they are unable to do so they may turn your account over to a collection agency. All agencies and their collectors who collect debt from people in Prince Edward Island must have a PEI licence which is valid for two years.
Search this registry to find a collector or collection agency that holds a PEI licence.
Under the authority of the Collection Agencies Act Regulations, a collector is not permitted to:
- Collect or attempt to collect money without first being satisfied that you owe the money to the creditor;
- Telephone, visit or send mail to your place of employment;
- Collect more than you owe the creditor;
- Contact you after 9:00 p.m. and before 8:00 a.m. or anytime on Sunday;
- Pretend to be someone else or use forms not filed with the registrar;
- Make collect telephone calls to you or charge you for telephone calls, telegrams or mail costs;
- Threaten you with action outside the authority of the collection agency;
- Make such frequent contacts as to constitute harassment;
- Contact other people including your employer, family, friends or neighbours, except to obtain your address;
- Include your spouse in collection or court actions unless your spouse has also signed for the debt;
- Use coercive language, cite loss of employment or loss of community ranking or give false information to anyone that could cause you or your family problems at work; or
- Contact you after receiving written notice to communicate through your legal counsel.
Published date:
September 1, 2020