Common Collection Agency Inc is a Canadian debt collection agency that helps creditors recover unpaid debts.
If CCA contacts you, they might be attempting to recover an outstanding debt on your account.
We’ve written this guide so you know what to expect from Common Collection Agency Inc and what to do if they contact you.
Is Common Collection Agency legit?
Common Collection Agency Inc is a legitimate collection agency originally founded in 1962 that operates nationally across Canada.
CCA’s management team and main call centre are based in Toronto, Ontario, and they have a regional office in Quebec. The collection agency is licensed in all Canadian provinces and territories.
They are formerly known as Commonwealth Collection Agency and describe themselves as developing a solid reputation of being a best-in-class leader in accounts receivable management programs in Canada.
Who does Common Collection Agency Inc collect for?
Common Collection Agency Inc collects debts for a variety of clients, including large Canadian financial institutions such as BMO, RBC, CIBC and Capital One.
How to verify Common Collection Agency is legitimately calling you
Common Collection Agency’s phone number is 1-888-851-8699. Call them directly to check that it’s a valid collection call.
If you’re worried that a debt collector call seems like a scam:
- Reach out to the original creditor to see if there is any collections activity in progress.
- Use the Better Business Bureau to check out the company, read reviews, and get the correct phone number.
- Contact your local consumer affairs office, which can advise you further.
If you feel that it’s a fraud, phishing or scamming attempt, report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Why is Common Collection Agency calling me?
If you receive calls from Common Collection Agency Inc, you probably have an account placed in collections.
When a debt is 120-180 days overdue, the creditor sends the account to a debt collection agency. A collection agency is required to send a written notice informing you that your account has been passed to a collection agency.
You’ll receive a letter advising you to pay by a specific date, with contact information, terms and payment information.
A collection agency will then pursue you directly in an effort to make you pay. Collection agencies keep calling, texting and emailing until the account is paid.
If you think there has been a mistake or you have already paid the balance, contact the collection agency immediately.
When can Common Collection Agency Inc call me?
In Canada, a collection agency like Common Collection Agency Inc can only contact you during certain hours of the day. Some provinces, like Ontario, have debt collection laws limiting the number of contact attempts in a week.
| Monday to Saturday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 7am – 10pm | 1pm – 5pm |
| British Columbia | 7am – 9pm | 1pm – 5pm |
| Manitoba | 7am – 9pm | Not allowed |
| New Brunswick | 7am – 9pm | 1pm – 5pm |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 8am-10pm | 1pm – 5pm |
| Northwest Territories | 7am – 9pm | 1pm – 5pm |
| Nova Scotia | 8am-9pm | Not allowed |
| Nunavut | 9am-7pm | 1pm – 5pm |
| Ontario | 7am – 9pm | 1pm – 5pm |
| Prince Edward Island | 8am-9pm | Not allowed |
| Quebec | 8am-8pm | Not allowed |
| Saskatchewan | 8am-9pm | Not allowed |
| Yukon | 7am-9pm | Not allowed |
You can send a written request to Common Collection Agency to stop phone calls, and they will write to you instead. Make sure you provide a mailing address in your letter or email so CCA can reply.
What can collection agencies like Common Collection Agency Inc do?
If you owe a debt to Common Collection Agency Inc, they will try very hard to contact you in a number of different ways. You will receive phone calls, voicemails, mail and emails from them.
They might also try to contact people you know, such as your employer, place of employment, or neighbours, to get your contact information if they don’t have it. If you asked someone to guarantee your debt, they are allowed to call this person.
Can a collection agency like Common Collection Agency take me to court?
If you ignore Common Collection Agency Inc, they may decide to take court action. If they successfully obtain a court order, they can garnish your wages or bank account.
You can dispute the claim, pay the debt or use a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT) to review your options.
Common Collection Agency can only take legal action for a set amount of time, starting from your last payment or when you last acknowledged the debt.
This is called a debt statute of limitations, and the time limit depends on where you live in Canada:
- Alberta: 2 years
- British Columbia: 2 years
- Manitoba: 6 years
- New Brunswick: 6 years
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 2 years
- Nova Scotia: 6 years
- Ontario: 2 years
- Prince Edward Island: 6 years
- Quebec: 3 years
- Saskatchewan: 2 years
- Nunavut, Yukon and the Northwest Territories: 6 years
If you acknowledge that you owe money to Common Collection Agency or make a payment towards the debt, the time is reset, giving the collection agency more time to take legal action against you.
Can Common Collection Agency garnish my wages?
Common Collection Agency Inc can garnish your wages if they take you to court and are successful. How much CCA can take depends on the balance owed, your income and where you live in Canada.
Can Common Collection Agency damage my credit score?
Ignoring Common Collection Agency Inc can result in damage to your credit score. Accounts in collections added to your credit report appear on your credit report for six years.
If you make full payment within ten days of receiving the initial collection notice from Common Collection Agency, you will likely avoid any damage to your credit, and the matter will be resolved.
What are my rights when dealing with a debt collector like Common Collection Agency Inc?
To protect consumers, Common Collection Agency Inc must follow the industry code of conduct:
- Whenever Common Collection Agency contacts you, they must identify themselves and provide the company name.
- Common Collection Agency cannot give misleading information or false information to collect a debt.
- Common Collection Agency cannot harass, threaten or intimidate you.
- Common Collection Agency can’t use threatening, profane, intimidating or threatening language.
- Common Collection Agency cannot apply undue, excessive or unreasonable pressure.
Common Collection Agency complaints
If you feel your rights have been violated by Common Collection Agency, complain to the consumer affairs office in your province or territory.
How to get Common Collection Agency to stop calling
Paying Common Collection Agency will stop all collection actions. You can pay the debt to CCA in full or arrange a payment plan based on what you can afford.
If you’re unsure whether you owe Common Collection Agency money, ask for more information in writing. Don’t answer any questions or acknowledge that you owe the debt.
If you cannot make payments or need help taking to Common Collection Agency, get help from a Licensed Insolvency Trustee for free financial advice and a solution to your debts.
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Common Collection Agency phone numbers
If you want to contact Common Collection Agency, their phone numbers are listed below.
Common Collection Agency Ontario
Phone: 416-297-7077
Toll-Free: 1-888-851-8699
Common Collection Agency Quebec
Phone: 819-243-0809
Toll-Free: 1-888-886-1924
Common Collection Agency website
Common Collection Agency website: commoncollections.com
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