Canadians have become so accustomed to carrying debt, and for some being in debt has become the norm. It is true that the vast majority of Canadians do have debt and when debt accumulates to the point where you are defaulting on monthly payments, the debt you have can be the source of considerable stress. This is especially true if your creditor has sent your debt to a collection company resulting in collection agency harassment!

Collection agency harassment comes in many forms, but the most common is phone calls demanding payment for uncollected funds. These calls can come during the day, in the evening, on the weekends – when you are at home and at work. If you have been receiving these calls, or are nervous that they may begin in the very near future, it is best not to avoid the issue. The calls are not going to stop just because you don’t answer the phone – if anything they will increase in frequency. The collection agency may also pursue other methods to make contact with you that can be the source of embarrassment.

In provinces like Ontario collection agencies are regulated by the appropriate ministry. In Ontario that ministry is the Ministry of Consumer Services (MCS). Reading your province’s legislation that deals with the regulation of collection agencies is your first step towards stopping collection agency harassment. If an agent called you at a time he or she wasn’t supposed to or disclosed information about you or your debt to a third party such as a family member or co-worker, you may file a complaint with the government to stop the collection agency harassment.

Formulate a plan to deal with the debt. It won’t go away by itself and as long as it sits in collections it will accumulate very high interest, can be damaging to your credit and the collection agency will continue to pursue you. Speak with a financial consultant who has experience stopping collection agency harassment for help and also to learn about programs that can help you deal with the root problem – the debt itself.

There are several very effective forms of debt relief in Canada, most common among them are debt settlements, consumer proposals, debt consolidation, mortgage refinancing and bankruptcy. All of these approaches have different benefits. While a consumer proposal can reduce your debt and freeze interest, it can also impact your credit in the short-run. While mortgage refinancing will enable you to rebuild credit faster, you will have to pay closing costs and interest to use your home equity to consolidate your debt. Only a skilled financial consultant can help you to review your options and help you choose the one that will best help you achieve your personal financial goals.

If you are facing collection agency harassment it might be time to get the ball rolling and seek out debt relief from a professional organization experienced in dealing with collection agencies and helping individuals get rid of their debt. Get control of your debt – don’t let your debt control you!

For more information about debt relief to stop collection agency harassment please contact DebtCare Canada today by calling 1-800-890-0888.