'100 Calls in 90 Days': Bank Hit With Nearly $40K Penalty Over Aggressive Debt-Collection Tactics

Consumer Protection BC ruled that Scotiabank harassed a customer by continuing to call more than 100 times despite written requests to contact only his lawyer.

Scotiabank has been ordered to pay nearly $40,000 after Consumer Protection BC found the bank harassed a Vancouver customer by making more than 100 collection calls in 90 days, despite explicit instructions to communicate only through his solicitor.

The penalty represents one of the most significant enforcement actions taken against a major Canadian financial institution for debt collection practices, with the bank agreeing to pay $33,900 into a Consumer Protection BC education fund and an additional $3,500 to cover investigation costs. The bank has also committed to changing its collection practices and training staff to prevent similar incidents.