March 25, 2014

BC Debt Pooler Loses Licence after Consumer Protection Investigation

March 25, 2014 Consumer Protection BC announced it has cancelled the licence of Options Credit Services Canada Ltd., owned by Don Antle, after an investigation revealed several breaches of the  Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and the Debt Collection Industry Regulation.

Find the official press release from Consumer Protection BC here: Chilliwack, BC debt pooler shut down; Consumer Protection BC asks impacted clients to come forward

The Chilliwack, BC based company had it’s bank accounts frozen and licence suspended since December 2013 due to evidence gathered in an investigation spurred by several complaints from consumers. The Vancouver Sun published several stories on those complaints, bringing the issue into the spotlight:

• • Lawsuits mount against Don Antle’s Chilliwack debt counselling firm
  • Debt consolidation firm remains licensed despite legal and financial problems
  • Chilliwack debt consolidator’s bio doesn’t tell the whole story

Consumer Protection BC is requesting all consumers financially impacted by the business practices of Options Credit Services Canada Ltd. to come forward. There may be some funds available for reimbursement of those affected.

“This has been a complex investigation from the start, involving a number of consumers and a variety of financial transactions. We are very concerned about the financial impact that may be felt by consumers as a result of this company’s business practices,” says Tayt Winnitoy, Vice President of Operations at Consumer Protection BC. “We will make every effort to help consumers receive whatever refunds are possible.”

Consumers financially impacted by the business practices of Options Credit Services Canada Ltd. or its owner Donald P. Antle are asked to fill out the Consumer Protection BC “Debt Pooling Claim Form” online or contact the inquiry unit at ac.cbnoitcetorpremusnocobfsctd@ofni if they have further questions about the claim form.

As President of Solutions Credit Counselling Service Inc., Women and Money Inc., The Canadian Association of Independent Credit Counselling Agencies, I am always telling potential clients to thoroughly investigate the various companies offering debt services. Ensure the company is Government licenced, does not have consumer complaints, has a great track record, and especially does not make an offer that sounds too good to be true!

Margaret H. Johnson ACE, RQIC