C3 Canada

At a glance

C3 Canada (formerly A-1 Credit Recovery & Collection Services) is a Canadian debt collection agency founded in 2006 and acquired by C3 Canada Corporation in February 2023.

If C3 Canada contacts you, request written verification of the debt before sharing personal information or making payments.

Debt collection rules vary by province, but there are rules on harassment, misleading statements, and when collectors can contact you.

What is C3 Canada?

C3 Canada is a debt collection agency that helps businesses recover unpaid debts. You may also see them referred to as C3 Canada Collections.

The company was founded in 2006 by Anna Day and Brian Cherry, initially starting as A-1 Credit Recovery & Collection Services Inc.

In February 2023, C3 Canada Corporation acquired the business.

C3 Canada operates across Canada with offices in Edmonton (head office), Toronto and Laval.

Consumers report that C3 Canada can be persistent with phone calls.

Source: C3 Canada

Why is C3 Canada calling me?

If you've received a call, email or letter from C3 Canada, it typically means they are trying to recover an unpaid debt on behalf of a creditor they represent.

Often, you will owe money. Other times, it might be an old account, a mistake, a debt you don't recognize, or even a scam attempt using a real company name.

The first thing you should do is request written verification of the debt before you confirm anything or make any payments.

Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) - Dealing with a debt collector

What to ask C3 Canada for before you pay

Ask for written documentation confirming:

• The original creditor
• The amount owed
• The account reference
• The date the debt relates to (if available)

Doing so lets you check whether the debt is legitimate.

Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) - Debt collection: know your rights

Who does C3 Canada collect for?

Collection agencies like C3 Canada work with many different businesses.

Note: The industries listed above are based on consumer reports and online discussions. They don't represent confirmed business relationships with C3 Canada.

If someone claims C3 Canada is collecting for a specific company, don't rely on phone information.

Always verify creditor claims in writing and request the creditor's name, account reference and current balance.

Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) - Debt collection: know your rights

Is C3 Canada a legitimate debt collection agency?

Yes, C3 Canada is a legitimate debt collection agency, not a scam.

The company has been operating in Canada since 2006 and publicly lists its corporate address and contact details.

C3 Canada's branches and employees are licensed through provincial regulatory bodies.

Is C3 Canada a licensed collection agency in Alberta?

A-1 Credit Recovery & Collection Services Inc., operating as C3 Canada, is registered in Alberta as a collection agency under the Collection and Debt Repayment Practices Regulation. The table below shows the confirmed licence record as of February 2026.

Source: Service Alberta – Find out if a Business is Licenced (February 2026)

Industry memberships

C3 Canada holds membership in the Canadian Society of Collection Agencies (CSCA) and the Receivables Management Association of Canada (RMA).

Source: CSCA Member Directory and RMA

Your rights when C3 Canada contacts you

Debt collection rules vary by province, but debt collectors are not allowed to:

• Harass, threaten, or intimidate you
• Make false or misleading statements
• Use profane, threatening, or coercive language
• Apply unreasonable or excessive pressure
• Continue contacting you at work after you've told them not to

Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) - Debt collection: know your rights

How to spot a debt collection agency scam

While C3 Canada itself is not a scam, scammers sometimes impersonate legitimate debt collectors.

If you receive a call from a debt collector, ask for details about the debt and verify the information.

Confirm you're dealing with the actual company using contact details from C3 Canada's official website.

Watch for these signs:

• They refuse to name the original creditor
• They threaten arrest, jail, or deportation
• They demand payment by e-transfer, gift card or crypto
• They won't send anything in writing

Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) - Dealing with a debt collector

Contact hour restrictions (example: Ontario)

Ontario debt collection laws prohibit collection agencies from contacting you about a debt:

• Before 7:00 AM or after 9:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
• On Sundays, except between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM
• On public holidays

Calling hours vary by province, so check the debt collection laws in your province.

What to do if C3 Canada calls you (step-by-step)

Step 1: Request written verification of the debt. Say: "Before confirming the details, tell me the original creditor's name, amount, date of last activity, and account number. Send the verification in writing."

Step 2: Don't confirm the debt until you've reviewed it in writing. If asked for your personal details first, say: "I'm not comfortable confirming personal information on an inbound call. Send it in writing."

Step 3: Avoid sharing sensitive personal information unless you're sure it's legitimate.

Step 4: If you believe the debt is incorrect, dispute it in writing and request proof.

Step 5: If you want the calls to stop, you can send a written request (province rules vary), but it won't necessarily stop legal action.

Step 6: If you're overwhelmed by debt, consider speaking with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.