If a payday lender has charged more than the legal maximum, refused to let you cancel, or is contacting you in a way that feels like harassment, you have somewhere to go — and it costs nothing.
What should I do first?
- Gather your paperwork. Keep the loan agreement, receipts and any messages.
- Complain to the lender in writing. Say what happened and what you want done. Keep a copy.
- Contact your provincial regulator. They license payday lenders and can investigate. Find yours below.
- Get free help with the debt itself. A non-profit credit counsellor can talk through a repayment plan at no charge.
Who regulates payday lenders in my province?
| Province | Regulator | Phone | Rules & licence check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction | 1-877-427-4088 | Official site |
| British Columbia | Consumer Protection BC | 1-888-564-9963 | Official site |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Consumer Protection Office | — | Official site |
| New Brunswick | Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB) | — | Official site |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Digital Government and Service NL | — | Official site |
| Nova Scotia | Service Nova Scotia | — | Official site |
| Ontario | Consumer Protection Ontario (Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery) | 1-800-889-9768 | Official site |
| Prince Edward Island | PEI Consumer Services | 1-800-658-1799 | Official site |
| Saskatchewan | Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) | — | Official site |
Struggling to repay?
Tell the lender before the due date. In several provinces you can ask for an extended payment plan if you have taken several loans in a short period. A lender cannot roll your loan into a new one for an extra fee. Non-profit agencies such as Credit Counselling Society, Credit Canada and Money Mentors offer free, confidential counselling.
Think it is a scam?
A real lender will never ask for a fee before releasing a loan, for gift cards, or for your online-banking password. Report suspected fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.