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.

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.

Is PRA Group Canada a licensed collection agency in Alberta?

PRA Group Canada 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 February 2026.

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

Scammers sometimes impersonate collection agencies, so 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 PRA Group Canada 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 PRA Group Canada 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: Talk to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee if the debt is real and you can't manage it. The first consultation is free.

If you want phone calls to stop while you work through these steps, send PRA Group Canada a written request. This won't erase the debt or prevent legal action, but it stops the calls, depending on your province.

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