Gatestone

What is Gatestone?

Gatestone is a debt collection agency that helps businesses recover unpaid debts. They operate in Canada and the United States, with offices in cities like Toronto, Montreal, North York, Phoenix, and others. Gatestone has been around since 1926, offering customer contact centre and business process outsourcing services, including debt recovery.

They work with a variety of creditors, including telecommunications companies, banks, government agencies, utilities, and healthcare providers. Many consumers report that Gatestone is persistent with phone calls but also willing to negotiate in some cases.

Why is Gatestone calling me?

If you’ve received a call from Gatestone, they’re probably trying to recover an unpaid debt on behalf of a creditor. 

If you’re unsure why they’re calling, ask for written verification of the debt before sharing any personal information or making a payment.

Gatestone collects for:

• American Express (defaulted accounts)
• Educational institutions (student loans)
• Telecommunications companies (phone, internet, cable)
• Banks and financial institutions
• Government agencies
• Healthcare providers and hospitals
• Utilities (hydro, gas, water)
• Education and student loans
• Commercial businesses
• Credit card companies
• Retail stores

Is Gatestone a legitimate collection agency?

Yes, Gatestone is a legitimate debt collection agency established in 1926. Their branches and employees are licensed with provincial governing ministries in Canada. However, scammers sometimes impersonate collection agencies, so always verify any debt in writing before paying.

Your rights when a debt collection agency like Gatestone contacts you

Debt collectors and collection agencies must follow a code of conduct outlining what they can and cannot do:

• Every time a debt collector contacts you, they must identify themselves.
• Debt collectors can only contact you during specified hours, usually between 7 AM and 9 PM (but exact times depend on your province)
• They cannot make false or misleading representations to collect a debt.
• Debt collectors may not harass, threaten or intimidate you.
• Debt collectors may not use threatening, profane, intimidating or coercive language.
• Debt collectors may not apply undue, excessive or unreasonable pressure.
• Ask for written proof before answering questions, providing personal information, or paying anything.
• A debt collector can't contact you at work once you've told them not to.

What to do if a debt collection agency like Gatestone contacts you

1. Ask for written verification of the debt.
2. Don't acknowledge that you owe the debt or supply sensitive information until you've verified it.
3. If you want the phone calls to stop, you can request in writing that the collection agency stop calling, but this won't prevent further legal action.
4. If you don't think you owe money, dispute the debt and ask for written proof.
5. Consider speaking with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee for free advice.