Consumer & Debt

If you’re dealing with consumer law or debt issues, several organizations in BC can help for free. For consumer problems (like contracts, refunds, or scams), Consumer Protection BC handles complaints about regulated businesses, and People’s Law School offers easy-to-understand legal information. For debt problems, the Credit Counselling Society provides confidential advice and repayment planning at no cost. If your issue is serious and you need legal advice, Access Pro Bono offers free legal clinics across BC.

In British Columbia, you have the right to expect that the goods and services you buy are safe, work properly, and match what was advertised. If a product doesn’t work as promised or is misrepresented, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund. BC law also protects you against unfair business practices, like being pressured into signing a contract you don’t understand. These rights apply whether you buy something in a store, online, or through a contract. For details, visit Consumer Protection BC.

In BC, stores are not legally required to give you a refund or exchange if you simply change your mind about a purchase. Instead, the store’s own return or exchange policy applies, and each business can set different rules. Many stores will offer store credit or exchanges as a courtesy, but they are not required to by law. If the product is faulty, unsafe, or not what was advertised, then you may have rights under BC’s consumer laws to get a refund or replacement. Learn more from People’s Law School.

If you think you’ve been scammed online, the first step is to stop contact with the scammer. Save all emails, receipts, or messages as evidence. Contact your bank or credit card company right away to stop or reverse charges, if possible. You should also report the scam to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which tracks and investigates fraud. If a BC business is involved, you may also be able to file a complaint with Consumer Protection BC. Acting quickly can help limit the damage and protect others. If you have lost money or identifying information, contact your local police to report the fraud.

In BC, many consumer contracts have a cooling-off period that gives you the right to cancel within a certain time after signing. For example, you can usually cancel gym memberships, cellphone contracts, and door-to-door sales contracts within 10 days. Some contracts, such as timeshares or payday loans, have longer cancellation rights. To cancel, you must notify the business in writing and keep a copy of your notice. If you were pressured or misled into signing, you may have additional rights to cancel. Learn more from Consumer Protection BC.

Yes. If a product or service is defective, unsafe, or doesn’t work as advertised, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or repair. Businesses must stand behind the products and services they sell. For example, if an appliance breaks down right away or a service is not provided as promised, BC’s consumer protection laws give you the right to seek a fair solution. If the business refuses, you may be able to escalate your complaint to Consumer Protection BC or take the matter to small claims court. See People’s Law School article.

If a product is faulty, misrepresented, or not delivered as promised, and a business refuses to give you a refund, you still have options. First, try contacting the company’s customer service in writing and keep records of your complaint. If the business is regulated by Consumer Protection BC, you can file a complaint with them. If not, you may need to consider legal action in small claims court (for disputes under $35,000). Free help is available from People’s Law School for understanding your options.

If a product is faulty, misrepresented, or not delivered as promised, and a business refuses to give you a refund, you still have options. First, try contacting the company’s customer service in writing and keep records of your complaint. If the business is regulated by Consumer Protection BC, you can file a complaint with them. If not, you may need to consider legal action in small claims court (for disputes under $35,000). Free help is available from People’s Law School for understanding your options.

If you can’t pay your credit card debt, you may face late fees, higher interest charges, and collection calls. Your credit rating will likely drop, making it harder to borrow money in the future. If the debt remains unpaid, you could also be sued. But you do have options. You can contact your bank to set up a payment plan, or seek free advice from a credit counselling service. The earlier you act, the more choices you’ll have. The Credit Counselling Society offers free and confidential support in BC.

Debt collectors in BC are allowed to contact you at work, but only to confirm your employment details or arrange a way to contact you outside of work. They are not allowed to repeatedly call your workplace or tell your employer about your debt. You can request in writing that collectors stop contacting you at work. Collectors are also not allowed to threaten, harass, or use abusive language. If they break these rules, you can report them to Consumer Protection BC, which licenses and oversees debt collectors in the province.

In BC, most unsecured debts (like credit cards, personal loans, and lines of credit) have a limitation period of 2 years. This means creditors have 2 years from the date of your last payment or written acknowledgement of the debt to sue you in court. After 2 years, they can no longer take legal action, but they may still call you to try to collect. Be careful: making a small payment or admitting the debt in writing resets the 2-year period. Learn more at People’s Law School.