Canadian debt collection letter: identify the lender and collector

Understand the difference between a federally regulated lender collecting a debt and a debt sold to a collection agency.

First establish who is collecting

FCAC guidance covers federally regulated financial institutions and parties collecting on their behalf. If a debt was sold to a collection agency, provincial or territorial rules apply instead. A familiar company name alone does not establish which rules apply.

Ask for clear account information

The federal guidance requires details about the debt and the party collecting it. Identify the account, claimed amount and missing information. If the relationship is unclear, request confirmation of who owns the debt and who the collector represents.

Choose the correct response route

A formal request for writing-only contact under this guidance requires a written request sent by registered mail with a contact address. An ordinary email is not a substitute. Court procedures and provincial rules are outside this guide.

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Source and scope

Official source · Editorially reviewed 16-10-2026.

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