Scotiabank has been ordered to pay $33,900 to Consumer Protection B.C. because the regulator found a client with a debt was called more than 100 times after directing the bank to contact them only through their lawyer.

The case is a rare penalty against a financial institution or debt collection agency for failing to follow the rules. It also highlights a debtor’s rights and the responsibility of collectors to honour them.

Here are answers to key questions about your rights and what debt collectors can — and can’t — do.

Yes, a debt collection agency — or in the above case, a bank to which you owe money — has the right to call and ask about your debt, but only within the rules. Those include calling only during the day or evening and never on a statutory holiday.

They also must stop i

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