Debt collectors getting too aggressive, P.E.I. warns
21.02.2008 13:00
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- Source: cbc.ca
Prince Edward Islanders have been on the receiving end of an increasing number of aggressive debt collection calls, and some of the collectors' practices violate provincial laws, say officials. The office of the attorney general issued a news release Wednesday reminding Islanders of their rights. "We have found recently that we are getting more calls from people looking for help with debt collectors than usual," Katharine Tummon, director of consumer, corporate and insurance services, told CBC News. "People are being contacted at their place of employment. That is not permitted under our laws. One of the things that's very common is that people are phoned and they are told they have to pay right away or things will happen to them, like they'll lose their employment or they will lose their standing in the community and that people will be contacted, will be advised that they are in debt." In the news release, the office listed a number of other illegal practices Islanders should be aware of: - Use of coercive language.
- Abuse or intimidation.
- Constant phoning.
- Contacting outside the hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. or on Sunday.
- Giving false or misleading information about you to any other person.
Tummon said Islanders who feel their debt collectors are violating the Collection Agencies Act should contact the department. She said they can help ensure any illegal practices stop and help people with some of their debt concerns.
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