Early resolved case summary #2015-04: Misidentification and lack of access to personal information leads to mistaken four-year debt pursuit
An individual complained that a collection agency was pursuing him for a debt he did not owe, which was negatively impacting his credit report. The individual alleged that the agency had been calling him for years and disclosed his financial information to his household members. He also claimed he was denied access to documentation validating the debt. The OPC contacted the collection agency, which then investigated the matter after discrepancies were noted in the original credit application. The agency ceased debt collection, acknowledged possible fraud, and committed to correcting the individual's credit report. The individual was satisfied with this resolution.
- 1Whether the collection agency ensured the accuracy of personal information used for debt collection (Principle 4.5 PIPEDA)
- 2Whether the collection agency provided the individual with access to his personal information (Principle 4.9 PIPEDA)
- 3Whether the collection agency disclosed personal financial information to third parties without consent (Principle 4.3 PIPEDA)
- Debt collection practices: Agency ceased collection
- Credit report accuracy: Agency committed to correction
- Disclosure to third parties: Agency ceased collection
- Access to information: Agency ceased collection
Complaint early resolved
The complaint was resolved early in the investigation when the collection agency ceased debt collection, acknowledged possible fraud, and committed to correcting the individual's credit report to the complainant's satisfaction.
The collection agency ceased debt collection, acknowledged possible fraud, and committed to correcting the individual's credit report.
- Principle 4.5 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.9 PIPEDA
- Principle 4.3 PIPEDA
This summary is informational only and not legal advice.
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