PRA Group Canada

What is PRA Group Canada?

PRA Group Canada is a debt collection agency that helps businesses recover unpaid debts.

They buy overdue accounts from banks, credit card companies, and other creditors, then contact the account holder to arrange repayment.

They operate nationally with offices in Ontario and Québec. Their offices are not open to the general public.

Why is PRA Group Canada calling me?

If you’ve received a call from PRA Group Canada, it means they’re trying to recover an unpaid debt on behalf of the original creditor who has likely sold the account to them.

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

PRA Group Canada collects for:

• 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 PRA Group Canada a legitimate collection agency?

Yes. PRA Group Canada is an operating Canadian debt collection business and a subsidiary of PRA Group, Inc.

However, scammers sometimes impersonate collection agencies, so always verify any debt in writing before paying.

Your rights when a debt collection agency like PRA Group Canada 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 PRA Group Canada 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.