Collection Agencies - taping phone calls - Canada

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RE: taping phone calls

Postby cbaird » Fri Dec 15, 2006 12:00:00 AM

sorry, what also helps when complaining is keeping a small notebook next to the phone. EVERYTIME someone from an agency calls, record who you talked to (or if it's an automated call), the time & date, and if you recorded it. Having a thorough itemization of the calls coming more than once per day, or at what time really backs up any recordings you have (as Marilyn below has done!).
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RE: taping phone calls

Postby cbaird » Fri Dec 15, 2006 12:00:00 AM

it is not illegal to tape phone calls as long as the person is aware you are taping. Just inform them at the beginning of the call as they would if they were doing the same thing....
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RE: taping phone calls

Postby marjm » Mon Dec 04, 2006 12:00:00 AM

Hello:
Following up on my problem with CBV Collection Services, I received a letter from them which included what is supposed to be their Alberta licence number & that of their agent. As it wasn't a copy of the licence itself, I have written them back & told them I will be checking this information out.

I had also asked them for a copy of the contract that I supposedly signed (which I have said repeatly I did not sign anything). According to the person that wrote me they have my account on hold until they receive the information from Citibank.
I asked for this information myself well over a year ago & never got it.

As I don't appreciate being accused of something I didn't do the fight will continue I guess. I have told them I will not talk to them until the contract with my signature is produced. I also told them I will record all of their calls to me.
I await their next letter but I won't be surprised either if they turn this account over to someonelse as the 2 companies before have done.
As I see it as long as I'm living on this earth I will continue to battle this people. If they keep it up I will sue the original collection agency for harrassment which I can prove. I have kept records of all the dates & times of the calls from all these people.
Marilyn Murray
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RE: taping phone calls

Postby montyloree » Tue Nov 14, 2006 12:00:00 AM

Hey Marilyn,

Good news about taping phone calls from that collection agency.
That should give you concrete ammunition when the collection agent calls you back.

I'm not surprised that the collection agent hasn't sent you a copy of his license to practice in the province. Collection Agents usually don't. However you do have the right to proof that the collection agent is licensed in your area.

Good work!!
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RE: taping phone calls

Postby marjm » Mon Nov 13, 2006 12:00:00 AM

Hello:
I have checked with Telus Communications, our telephone provider in Alberta re taping phone calls. A customer care support rep. has replied to my email saying that it is not illegal to
tape telephone calls. Therefore the next time "Michael" from CBV calls me he will be informed that I will be taping his calls.
I'm still waiting for him to provide the copies of his licence, his branch licence & a copy of the contract that I supposedly signed.
Marilyn
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RE: taping phone calls

Postby marjm » Sat Nov 11, 2006 12:00:00 AM

Hello:
Thank you for the information. I have emailed CRTC re the legality of taping calls from these people.
Actually it was Michael from CBV that got me thinking about it.
I had told him I would be recording the calls, meaning dates & times, & he took it as meaning taping the calls. He then informed me that was illegal but I hardly believe anything he says.
I had tried to straighten out this situation well over a year ago but since these people have my name they don't listen. I want to tape them & give the tape to a lawyer I may have to hire to then charge them with harassment. The person that actually applied for the account did not apply using my name but it seems no one can produce the contract showing what happened. I have asked each of these collection agencies for a copy but nothing comes. I have my doubts that Michael is licenced as he keeps
calling even though I wrote their office stating I wouldn't take the calls until I receive a copy of their branch licence, employee's licence & a copy of the contract I supposedly signed.
I don't dispute the money is owed but when we contacted Citibank they just said it had been turned over to a collection agency, being Total Credit Recovery. This is becoming like some comedy if it wasn't so serious.

I think at this point Total Credit Recovery so pay the debt as I do have proof of harassment against them.
When I learn more I will forward on the information.

Never in this lifetime am I going to personally pay a collection agency.

When this problem first starting the person that really owes the money was making payments but it wasn't as much as they wanted but what he could afford at the time. Due to health reasons he was no longer able to work fulltime & therefore there was a loss in pay.
Marilyn
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RE: taping phone calls

Postby montyloree » Sat Nov 11, 2006 12:00:00 AM

Hi Marilyn,
With regards to taping phone calls of collection agencies, I'm not really sure of a good answer.

I know that because a collection agency is not a private person, they don't fall under the PIPEDA or personal privacy information laws.

I guess you would have to ask yourself who would ultimately listen to your taped calls, and would they take them as "evidence". Again, that should be a question for Ministry of Justice - Ontario Consumer Protection

With regards to the legalities of taping phone calls, probably call your phone company, and/or the CRTC - Canadian Radio-television and and ask them.

The idea of taping the phone calls of a collection agency is a good one. This is good evidence of how they treat people.

Marilyn, Can you let us know what you find out? That would be appreciated! :)
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taping phone calls

Postby marjm » Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:00:00 AM

Hello:
I would like to know if it is illegal to record a phone call from a collection agency.
As these people intimitate & harass they obviously don't want to be recorded but I've had enough of the insults & want proof of what they say to you.
CBV Collections Services have taken over trying to collect a debt which I don't & have never owed, from Common Collection Agency who took the account from Total Credit Recovery.
I can, but haven't as yet, sue Total Credit Recovery as I was able to prove that their collector was unlicensed. They didn't want to deal with me anymore after I involved Comsumer & Corporate Affairs.

I got one letter & one phone call from Common Collection Agency but as soon as I asked for a copy of the contract I supposedly signed they stopped calling. So, now it seems they have turned my file over to CBV. I told "Michael" not to call me at work & I would not talk to him until he sent me a copy of the license for his office plus his own. I also want a copy of the contract they keep insisting I signed. I guess he doesn't understand english as he called twice tonight. The calls being a minute apart. This is harassment as far as I'm concerned & I don't intend to put up with it.
Therefore the question re taping these calls.
In the meantime I'm recording dates & times of all these calls.
Marilyn Murray
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