About the CSCA
The Canadian Society of Collection Agencies, formerly the Ontario Society of Collection Agencies has served and protected the interests of the collection industry since 1964. CSCA is pledged to promote, stimulate, increase and improve the social, economic and ethical welfare of the canadian collection industry and the public which it serves; and to apply the collective knowledge and experience of its members toward maintaining an ethical standard of collection service. The organization has the power and expertise to resolve the issues that confront the industry.
Our Mission Statement
CSCA’s mission is to provide guidance, support, and education to our business partners as well as provide recommendations and education to perspective agency clients in both the local and national marketplace.
In pursuing this goal we pledge to remain of high integrity and professionalism at all times; build long term rewarding relationships; and to act in the best interest of our membership in pursuing the highest standards of communication and good faith.
Consistent with this mission, CSCA will support and recognize high achievers in the areas of performance, innovation and service; and recognize businesses in their willingness to preserve and nurture the continuing vitality, success and recognition for the Collection Agency industry.
Benefits to the Public
The principal mission of the Canadian Society of Collection Agencies, on behalf of its members, is to seek to improve the Canadian collections environment, both legislative and regulatory.
FAQ
Q: Who is the CSCA?
A: The Canadian Society of Collection Agencies (CSCA) is an industry body established to represent the interests of debt collection agencies across Canada. The CSCA represents both contingent collection agencies and debt purchasing firms.
Q: What is the difference between a contingent collections firm and a debt purchaser?
A: Contingent collection agencies collect debt on behalf of the original creditor for an agreed fee (often a percentage of the debts recovered). This means the debt continues to be owned by the original creditor. Debt purchasers buy the outstanding receivables from the creditor, which means the creditor ceases to have any association with the monies owed.
Q: If I am a creditor with a single outstanding debt, will a debt purchaser be interested in purchasing the debt?
A: It is very unlikely that a debt purchaser will buy a one off debt. Usually debt purchase transactions involve tranches of many accounts being sold usually by a creditor such as a bank, financier, telecommunications or utilities provider. In situations of a one off debt you should seek the assistance of a contingent collections firm.
Q: Consumers often have concerns regarding the privacy surrounding a collections activity. What rules and regulations do collectors abide by to protect consumer privacy?
A: Debt collectors must protect your personal information and the personal information of third parties. Debt collectors must adhere to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other relevant Federal and Provincial privacy legislation.
To find out more visit https://www.priv.gc.ca/
Q: Is there a dispute resolution scheme that consumers can utilize?
A: Collection agencies in Canada are subject to Provincial legislation. Consumers can also visit:
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency.html
Office of Consumer Affairs http://consumer.ic.gc.ca/debt
Q: What actions by a debt collector would be classified as harassment and what should a consumer do if they believe they have been a victim of harassment?
A: Canadians may register their telephone number with the National Do Not Call List. Please visit https://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/ for more information.
If a consumer believes they have been inappropriately treated by a debt collector or debt buyer they should contact the appropriate authorities to lodge a complaint.
Q: Are collections agents required to complete any formal qualifications before they commence collections activities?
A: The requirements for licensing and training differ in each Province. The licensing requirements also stipulate any required training that collectors must undertake before commencing collections activities.
Q: Is there an amount that an outstanding debt must exceed before the default can be listed on a consumers credit file? Also, how long must the bill be overdue before it can be listed?
A: Yes, a default listing on a credit file must exceed $150 and it must be overdue by 60 days before it is listed on a consumers credit file.
Q: What does the collections process involve?
A: Every organization will have their own approach to collecting overdue debts however in most instances contact with the debtor will involve a combination of letters and phone calls.
Q: What rules and regulations are debt collectors required to adhere to?
A: Debt collectors are required to adhere to a variety of legislative requirements based on the Province in which they operate.
Alberta
British Columbia
https://www.consumerprotectionbc.ca/
Manitoba
http://www.gov.mb.ca/cca/cpo/index.html
Nova Scotia
https://novascotia.ca/sns/access/individuals/consumer-awareness.asp
Ontario
https://www.ontario.ca/page/consumer-protection-ontario
Quebec
Saskatchewan
Q: What is the process for taking a collections dispute legal?
A: The most common ways that businesses utilize to try and re-coup outstanding monies are:
- consulting directly with the client to organize payment
- sending a letter of demand
- taking legal action
Going legal is the option utilized when previous attempts to collect the overdue monies have been unsuccessful. The dollar value of the outstanding debt determines which court a case is assigned to and the legal proceedings will follow a number of steps:
- Statement of Claim
- Serving the Summons
- Legal Proceedings
- Enforcing the Judgment
The process can vary depending on which Province the action occurs in.
Q: What tips does the CSCA have to assist consumers and businesses in dealing with collectors?
A: Don’t ignore letters or phone calls about debts or court notices. If you do owe the money the best thing you can do is repay it. Unpaid debts can be listed on a consumer’s credit file for up to seven years.
Act immediately, particularly if the debt isn’t yours. You can ask for proof of the debt, this should help to sort out any misunderstandings.
Keep copies and records of all correspondence with the creditor and the collections agency. That way you can provide proof of settlement or resolution of debt notices if a query ever arises about the debt.
Get it in writing. Any agreements for making debt collection payments should be confirmed in writing and signed by a representative from the collections firm. This avoids misunderstandings about the amounts to be paid or the time period in which those payments must occur.
Understand your rights. Debt collectors are required to adhere to stringent rules. If you believe a collector has breached these rules you should contact the appropriate authorities.
Our Code of Ethics
- CSCA policies concerning the conduct of its members in the operation of their respective businesses are very strict and must be adhered to at all times.
- CSCA must always persist in our resolve, while being firmly effective and unbiased, to be sensible, fair and honourable in the pursuit of our objective; to represent the Collection Agency Industry in the Province of Ontario.
- All member collection agencies shall act with moral and ethical obligation to represent their clients in the best interest of preserving the clients reputation and standing in the creditor community.
- All member collection agencies shall act with moral and ethical obligation to represent their business community and fellow CSCA membership in the best interest of preserving the collection agencies’ reputation in the general business and creditor community.
- All member collection agencies will ensure that all personnel follow and abide by the laws and legislation under the Collection Agencies Act, in the Province of Ontario.
- All member collection agency management will endorse and facilitate fair and respectful treatment of the public at large.
- All member collection agencies will encourage education and career development within the collection agency industry.
- No member collection agency shall discriminate on grounds of race, colour, creed, sex, religion or national origin.
- All member collection agencies will limit the name CSCA to only the office for which membership is in effect. The identification and logo of CSCA may not appear on sales material, stationary or forms that list additional offices or locations that do not hold membership in CSCA.
- All member collection agencies, in dealings with the public or with their respective clients, will act professionally and state clearly the services to be performed and the terms under which they shall be performed.
CSCA Leadership
President:
Brad Rice, Central Credit Control
Board:
Vincent Fiore, Partners In Credit
Melissa Hobbs, General Credit Services
Brad Rice, Central Credit Control
Len Mangos, Gatestone
Amanda Faris, Bill Gosling Outsourcing
Joe DiNunzio, NCRI
Steve Miller, SinglePoint Group International