Licensed Collection Agencies in Ontario

In Ontario, all collection agencies must be registered under the Collection and Debt Settlement Services Act. This registration is administered by the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.

Before hiring a collection agency or responding to a debt collection call, you can verify their licence status using this directory or by searching the Government of Ontario's business licence search.

What to check before dealing with a collection agency

• Verify the agency's licence number matches Ontario's registry
• Check that the licence hasn't expired
• Confirm the legal name matches who contacted you
• Request written validation of any debt they claim you owe