How can I stop collection agencies from calling me?

Collection agencies - what can I do?

Collection agents and bill collectors call because you owe them money, and it's their job to collect. Don't take it personally. They are just doing their job.

Many collection agents get a commission for every dollar they collect from you, so they won't give up easily. They will keep calling until they get their money. You could choose to ignore them and not answer the phone, but in this age of computer "auto-dialers" it is likely that your phone will keep ringing until you answer it.

So how do you stop them from calling?

First and most obviously, you can pay them. If you can't pay the full amount owing, offer to make payment arrangements over a period of time. Do not promise to pay if you don't have the money. Broken promises will only make matters worse.

In many cases a bill collector will accept less than the full amount owing if you can pay a lump sum. For example, if you owe $10,000, they may be willing to accept $5,000 and write off the rest, but only if you can come up with the money quickly. That probably means you will need to get a debt consolidation loan or borrow from friends or family to pay them off quickly.

If you can't pay them, your next option would be to file a consumer proposal. With a consumer proposal a settlement plan is filed, and the collection agents are required to immediately stop calling you while the plan is considered.

If you can't afford to file a consumer proposal, the final option is to declare personal bankruptcy in Ontario. Personal bankruptcy immediately stops collection calls, wage garnishments, and court action.

Remember: Collection agencies are calling because you owe money. They will only stop calling when you have paid them, or filed a legal procedure such as a consumer proposal or bankruptcy to prevent them from collecting.

A member of our bankruptcy Ontario team will be pleased to explain more about how to stop collection agents from calling. The first consultation is confidential and always free of charge. Contact a nearby expert today!