If a payday lender has charged you more than the law allows, won’t let you cancel, or is contacting you in ways that feel like harassment, you have options.
How do I complain about a lender?
- Write to the lender first. Say what happened, what you want, and keep a copy.
- If that doesn’t fix it, contact your provincial regulator. Links are on each province page. In Alberta, call 1-877-427-4088; in Ontario, file with Consumer Protection Ontario; in BC, contact Consumer Protection BC.
- If you think it’s a scam, report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 and call your bank.
Who can help with debt for free?
- Non-profit credit counsellors, through Credit Counselling Canada.
- 211, by dialing 2-1-1 anywhere in Canada, for local help with food, housing and bills.
- A Licensed Insolvency Trustee, for larger debts. First consultations are free.
More on getting out of repeat borrowing: Stuck in payday loans? How to get out.