At a glance Common Collection Agency Inc. (CCA) is a Canadian debt collection agency founded in 1962 as Commonwealth Collection Agency. CCA has a call centre in Scarborough, Ontario and an office in Gatineau, Quebec.
They collect unpaid debts on behalf of Canadian creditors across all provinces and territories.
If Common Collection Agency contacts you, ask for written verification of the debt before confirming any personal details or making a payment.
What is Common Collection Agency?
Common Collection Agency Inc. (CCA) is a debt collection agency that recovers unpaid debts on behalf of Canadian creditors.
CCA describes itself as an accounts receivable management company. It was founded in 1962 as Commonwealth Collection Agency and is privately held.
Common Collection Agency has a call centre in Scarborough, Ontario and an office in Gatineau, Quebec.
CCA works with banks, telecom companies, credit card issuers, utilities and government agencies across all 13 provinces and territories. They don't buy debt and don't work with the U.S. market.
Source: Common Collection Agency Inc.
Contact Common Collection Agency
Contact this debt collection agency to verify details, dispute the debt, or resolve your account.
Visit agency websiteWhy is Common Collection Agency calling me?
A creditor has sent your unpaid account to Common Collection Agency for collection. That's the most common reason for their call.
It's also possible that the debt is old and you've forgotten about it, the account was mistakenly sent to CCA, or someone might be using CCA's name in a scam.
Ask Common Collection Agency to send you written proof of the debt before you confirm any personal details or agree to pay.
Who does Common Collection Agency collect for?
Common Collection Agency collects debts for creditors across various industries in Canada. Consumers have reported receiving calls from CCA about debts owed to the companies below.
Creditor | Industry |
|---|---|
Walmart Rewards Mastercard | Credit cards |
BMO (Bank of Montreal) | Banking |
Virgin Mobile | Telecommunications |
RBC Royal Bank | Banking |
CIBC | Banking |
Common Collection Agency also collects for telecommunications providers, utilities (hydro, gas, water), government agencies, healthcare providers, education and student loan companies, retail stores and commercial businesses.
Companies that use Common Collection Agency for debt collection
Reported by consumers
Know another company Common Collection Agency collects for?
Common Collection Agency phone numbers
These numbers are commonly associated with Common Collection Agency:
| Phone number | Type |
|---|---|
| Main | |
| General | |
| General | |
| General |
Got a call from a number not shown here?
If you receive a call from a different number claiming to be Common Collection Agency, verify the debt in writing and confirm the details before paying.
Is Common Collection Agency a legitimate collection agency?
Yes, Common Collection Agency is a real company that's been in business since 1962. They're licensed to collect debts all across Canada.
They hold a BBB A+ rating and have been BBB-accredited since December 2019.
Keep in mind that some scammers pose as collection agencies. Always ask for written proof before you pay anything.
Source: BBB
Is Common Collection Agency a licensed collection agency in Ontario?
Common Collection Agency Inc. is registered in Ontario as a collection agency under the Collection and Debt Settlement Services Act. The table below shows confirmed licence records as of March 2026.
| Legal Name | Location | Licence number | Status | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Collection Agency Inc. | Toronto, ON | 1300840 | Issued | Jan 31, 2027 |
Source: Government of Ontario – Search for a business licence (March 2026)
Is Common Collection Agency a licensed collection agency in Alberta?
Common Collection Agency Inc. 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 March 2026.
| Business Name | Trading As | Location | Bonded | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Collection Agency Inc. | — | Edmonton, AB | Yes | Jan 31, 2027 |
Source: Service Alberta – Find out if a Business is Licenced (March 2026)
Is Common Collection Agency a licensed collection agency in Quebec?
Common Collection Agency Inc. is registered in Québec as a collection agency and operates under the Consumer Protection Act, with oversight from the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC). The table below shows the confirmed licence record as of March 2026.
| Legal Name | Location | Permit number |
|---|---|---|
| Common Collection Agency Inc. | Gatineau, QC | 400310 |
Source: Office de la protection du consommateur (March 2026)
Is Common Collection Agency a licensed collection agency in British Columbia?
Common Collection Agency Inc. holds an active debt collection licence issued by Consumer Protection BC.
The table below shows confirmed licence records as of March 2026.
Licence number | Business name | Address | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
23133 | Common Collection Agency Inc. | 5900 Finch Ave, Toronto, ON M1B 5P8 | 2026-12-31 |
BC requires a licence for each office that contacts BC residents, even if the office is outside BC.
Source: Consumer Protection BC – Check a licence
What to do if Common Collection Agency calls you (step by step)
Step 1: Ask for written verification. Get the original creditor's name, the amount claimed, the date of last activity, and the account number. Don't confirm anything until you've reviewed everything in writing.
Step 2: Don't share personal details. No address, date of birth or banking information until you've confirmed the debt is yours.
Step 3: Check your own records. Pull your credit report from Equifax or TransUnion and compare it to what Common Collection Agency sent you.
Step 4: Dispute the debt in writing if it's wrong. Keep copies of everything you send.
Step 5: Negotiate if the debt is correct. You can offer a lump sum for less than the full amount or arrange a payment plan. Get any agreement in writing before you pay.
Step 6: Pay by a traceable method. Collection agencies like Common Collection Agency typically accept online banking, Interac e-Transfer, credit or debit card through their website, or in person at a bank branch. Always get a receipt.
Step 7: Talk to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee or non-profit credit counselling service if you owe the debt and can't pay.
Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) – Dealing with a debt collector
Only consider a loan or a line of credit if you can comfortably afford the repayments. If you're unsure what to do, speak to a non-profit credit counsellor or a Licensed Insolvency Trustee first.
What if the debt is old?
Every province has a time limit on how long a collection agency like Common Collection Agency can sue you for an unpaid debt.
| Province / Territory | Limitation period |
|---|---|
| Ontario, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia | 2 years |
| Quebec | 3 years |
| Newfoundland and Labrador, PEI, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon | 6 years |
Once the limitation period expires, Common Collection Agency can still sue you, but you can raise the expired limitation period as a defence. If you do, the court will dismiss the case.
Making a payment or acknowledging the debt in writing restarts the limitation period, but only if it hasn't already expired. If you're unsure whether a debt is still within the limitation period, get legal advice before making any payment.
These limitation periods apply to most consumer debts like credit cards, lines of credit, and personal loans. Different rules may apply to government debts, court judgments, or secured debts like mortgages.
For more information, read our guide about debt statute of limitations.
How to stop Common Collection Agency from calling
If you want phone calls to stop, send Common Collection Agency a written request. It won't erase the debt or prevent legal action, but it stops repeated calls, depending on your province.
Copy and paste this template:
Hello,
I request that you stop contacting me by phone regarding this account and communicate with me only in writing.
Please send written verification of the debt, including:
- The original creditor name
- The amount claimed
- A breakdown of principal, interest and fees
- The account reference number
- The date of last activity on the account
Do not contact me at my workplace.
Thank you,
[Your full name]
[Your mailing address or email]
[Your phone number (optional)]
[Date]
Note: Check your province's rules for any requirements to stop contact.
Source: Government of Canada (FCAC) - Dealing with a debt collector
How to file a complaint about Common Collection Agency
If Common Collection Agency doesn't follow the debt collection rules, contact the consumer protection authority in your province.
Before filing, document the dates and times of contact, the phone number used, what was said, and copies of any emails, letters or texts.
For contact details and links to your provincial office, visit the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Consumer Affairs Offices directory.
You can also file a complaint through the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Accreditations
Common Collection Agency locations
Locations that Common Collection Agency operate in:
Provinces served
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Legal Name
Common Collection Agency Inc.
Common variations
People sometimes search for this agency under slightly different names or misspellings. These are the most common variations we see.
Common Collections Agency
Frequently asked questions
Common Collection Agency can garnish your wages, but only after taking you to court and obtaining a judgment. CCA has to file a lawsuit, win, and then apply for a separate garnishment order.
Yes. A debt sent to Common Collection Agency could result in an R9 rating on your credit report. R9 is the worst possible rating and stays on your report for six years from the date of last activity on the account.
Paying the collection before the six-year mark doesn't remove it; it just changes its status to paid.
Common Collection Agency accepts payments via online banking, Interac e-Transfer, and credit or debit card on their website. You can also pay at a bank branch using the account number CCA provides.
Always get a receipt or written confirmation that the payment has been applied. If you're settling for less than the full amount, get the settlement terms in writing before you send any money.
Yes. Common Collection Agency can accept a lump-sum payment for less than the full amount or set up a monthly payment plan. Get any agreement in writing before you pay.
A settlement shows as "settled" rather than "paid in full" on your credit report, but it clears the account. If CCA rejects your first offer, try a different amount. They have flexibility.
The debt doesn't go away. Common Collection Agency can continue calling, send the account to a lawyer, or take you to court.
If CCA gets a court judgment, they can garnish your wages in Ontario or freeze money in your bank account. Ignoring calls also gives CCA time to act while the statute of limitations is still running.
If you can't pay, talk to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee or a non-profit credit counsellor before the situation gets worse.
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Joe launched CollectionAgencies.ca in 2025. He maintains the directory, researches collection agencies across Canada, and manages the site's editorial content. Agency listings are sourced from provincial licensing records and legislation.