How to Protect Yourself from Debt Collectors in Canada –

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In Canada, debt collectors have strict rules they must follow, but some may still try to push the limits. If a debt is old — typically beyond the 2-year limitation period in most provinces — they can no longer sue you to collect. However, they may still contact you, and even small mistakes on your part can restart the clock and make the debt enforceable again.

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Debt Collector Question

How can I protect myself from debt collectors in Canada?
I’m being contacted about an old debt and want to make sure I don’t accidentally restart it.


From: Anonymous Question
Location: Surrey, British Columbia (BC)
Category: credit rebuilding

Debt Collector Answer

If you’re contacted about an old debt, the first step is to confirm the last payment date before you say anything or make any payment. In provinces like BC and Ontario, the limitation period for most debts is only 2 years from your last payment or written acknowledgment. Once that period has passed without any acknowledgment, the debt is considered “statute-barred,” meaning collectors can’t sue you to enforce it. However, they can still call, and their goal may be to get you to reset the clock without you realizing it.

Below are some sketchy tactics unscrupulous collectors may use to make an expired debt collectible again:

Tips to protect yourself from these tactics:

• Never make a payment without confirming the last payment date.
• Do not admit you owe the debt verbally or in writing.
• Ask the collector for proof of the last payment date in writing.
• Communicate in writing only — avoid phone calls if possible.
• Send a statute-barred debt letter if the limitation period has expired.
• Keep detailed records of all correspondence and calls.
• Seek advice from a licensed insolvency trustee or legal professional before acting.
• Remember: If the limitation period has expired, you are not legally required to pay unless you choose to.

From: Insider Adam

Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB) Answer

While debt collectors must follow provincial and federal regulations, it’s important to know that the statute of limitations does not erase your debt — it simply limits the collector’s ability to sue you. If you acknowledge the debt after the limitation period expires, you may unintentionally make it collectible in court again. Protect yourself by confirming timelines, keeping written records, and seeking advice before making any payments or signing agreements.

From: OSB Helper

Related Questions to Protecting Yourself from Debt Collectors

1. What is the statute of limitations on debt in my province?

In most provinces, it’s 2 years; in others, up to 6 years. It starts from your last payment or written acknowledgment.

2. Can debt collectors still contact me after the limitation period expires?

Yes, they can request payment but can’t sue you in court.

3. What counts as acknowledging a debt?

Any payment, written admission, or signed agreement — and sometimes verbal admission.

4. How can I stop debt collectors from calling me?

Send a written cease-and-desist or statute-barred debt letter.

5. If I pay part of an old debt, does it restart the clock?

Yes, even a small payment resets the limitation period.

If you have a question about debt, see our debt questions or ask your own debt-related question.

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