Scotiabank To Pay $34,000 After Calling Consumer More Than 100 Times To Collect Debt

Scotiabank has been ordered to pay nearly $34,000 after Consumer Protection BC determined the bank harassed a client by making over 100 collection calls, despite being told to communicate only through the client’s lawyer. The agency found this conduct violated the Consumer Protection Act, which gives consumers the right to request that debt collectors only contact them in writing or through legal representation.​

Enforcement and Penalties

• Scotiabank was required to pay $3,500 to cover investigation costs and $33,900 to a consumer education fund as part of the settlement.​

• The bank also agreed to amend its internal policies and improve staff training on acceptable debt collection practices to prevent similar incidents in the future.​

Consumer Rights and Agency Advice

• Consumers in British Columbia can instruct creditors or collectors to communicate only through their lawyer or in writing; failing to respect these wishes can constitute harassment under provincial law.​

• Consumer Protection BC advises those facing harassment to document all communications with collectors, as ignoring these instructions can lead to penalties for the institution involved.​

Background and Broader Context

• This case highlights the rights of individuals dealing with persistent creditors and actions regulators can take to protect consumers from abusive or harassing debt collection tactics.