How to respond to a collection call in Ontario

This page is a public educational walkthrough. It is not a retainer, a court form, or a promise about your result. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.

1. Write down the date, the name, and the file number

   Ask who they collect for. A call is not proof the debt is yours or that the amount is right.

2. Ask for the claim in writing

   Ontario collection rules limit certain contact. You can ask not to be called at work and to receive written details.

3. Do not give a new payment card number on the first call

   Match the written claim to your own records first.

4. A collector is not the court

   They cannot garnish wages or seize property with only a phone call. That takes a court process.

5. If you get a Small Claims claim later, that is a new document

   Use the Small Claims defence guide. Do not ignore a Form 7A because you already argued on the phone.

Official law on this site: collection-agencies-your-rights.

Disclaimer: Know The Law publishes legal information for the public, not legal advice. Court forms, fees and filing channels change. Read the official statute text and the official form page linked from this guide before you act. We do not represent you and we do not file documents for you. For legal advice, you should contact an appropriate Lawyer or Paralegal specializing in the area of law you need assistance with.