Rights of consumers or obligations of businesses:

- A collection agency must have a business permit to carry out collection activities in Nova Scotia.

- Individual collectors who contact Nova Scotia consumers must have a license to do so.

- A collection agency must operate under the name on the permit.

- The following activities are not allowed:

- collecting more than the amount owing to the creditor
- collecting without first being satisfied that the money is actually owing
- making collect calls to the debtor (the person who owes money)
- communicating with a debtor after being told in writing to communicate with their legal advisor
- communicating verbally with a debtor unless a written notice has previously been sent
- using any letter to collect from a debtor unless that letter has been approved by the Registrar under the Act for use in Nova Scotia
- using any form communication that is meant to resemble a notice, summons or demand
- threatening, abusing or intimidating a debtor, either orally or in writing
- making harassing telephone or personal contacts or written communications
- contacting a debtor on a Sunday or between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. any day
- giving false or misleading information that may be harmful to a debtor, spouse or family member
- give or threaten to give information that may negatively affect employment or employment opportunities
- demand payment without disclosing the name of the creditor, the account balance and the name of the collector
- communicate with the employer, friends or relatives of a debtor except to obtain the debtor's address.

- Collection agencies must keep comprehensive records of collection activities.

- How a collection agency handles funds that have been collected on behalf of creditors is very closely regulated.

Please refer to the Act and regulations if you need a complete description of consumer rights.