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Printer friendlyBook Review: The Wolf At The Door: What To Do When Collection Agencies Come Calling, written by Mark Silverthorn, 2010, McClelland & Stewart
Most, if not all, of us in credit counselling work have received letters referred to us by clients under the letterhead of Mark Silverthorn. These were obviously attempts at collecting past due debts. Well, Mark has turned himself into an advocate for debtors, as opposed to his previous specialty. He has written what I consider the best book I have read re the debt collection business, and how to deal with collection agencies.
He covers it all, from how to respond to collection attempts, to how to avoid payment altogether, when the debt is past it’s “best before date”, so to speak. The points discussed in detail will assist any debtor and also any credit counsellor in understanding their rights and obligations in responding to collection letters and phone calls.
The limitations on collection of old debts is covered, and he has made the book useful in all provinces in explaining the different laws which exist in other parts in Canada. As we are aware, collection practices are under provincial jurisdiction and vary widely. He even has a chapter titled “Suing a Bill Collector”. There’s a thought! There are five appendices with useful information, and a glossary of collection and legal terms.
A website has been set up, www.helpwithcollectioncalls.ca. This site has a great deal of information for anyone who works in our field and should be referred to our clients as appropriate. Mark is working on adding contact information for manages of collection agencies, which will be useful, as it has always been difficult to speak to those in charge. I recommend this book to all credit counsellors, along with any debtor who needs support and information. It should be required reading for anyone joining a credit counselling office for the first time. Mark has an office in Kitchener.
Dave Pearson, AFCC
Mosaic Counselling & Family Services, Kitchener, Ontario