Privacy Policy

Introduction

IRS Collections (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation across Canada.

As a licensed collection agency operating across Canada, we adhere to the highest standards of privacy protection and are regulated by provincial collection agency legislation including but not limited to the Collection and Debt Repayment Act (Alberta), the Collection Agencies Act (British Columbia), and similar legislation in other provinces.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when:

Submitting an inquiry or booking a consultation
Engaging our collection services
Communicating with us via phone, email, or our website
Providing information about accounts for collection

This may include: name, address, phone number, email address, business information, account details, payment history, and related financial information necessary for debt collection activities.

Debtor Information

When acting on behalf of our clients, we may collect and process information about debtors including: name, contact information, employment details, credit information, and account history. This information is collected and used solely for legitimate debt collection purposes as permitted under applicable collection agency legislation.

Technical Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain technical information including: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages visited, and timestamp data. This information is used to improve our website functionality and user experience.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following legitimate purposes:

Debt Collection Services: To perform collection activities on behalf of our clients, including contacting debtors, negotiating payment arrangements, and recovering outstanding accounts receivable
Client Services: To respond to inquiries, provide consultations, and deliver our professional services
Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations under collection agency legislation, privacy laws, and other applicable regulations
Skip Tracing: To locate debtors using lawful investigative techniques and databases
Credit Reporting: To report account information to credit bureaus where legally permitted
Record Keeping: To maintain accurate business records as required by law
Communication: To send service-related communications, updates, and responses to your inquiries
Website Improvement: To analyze website usage and improve our online services

Disclosure of Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may disclose your information only in the following circumstances:

To Our Clients: Information about collection activities and debtor accounts is shared with the creditors we represent
Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in our operations (e.g., skip tracing services, legal counsel, IT services), who are contractually obligated to protect your information
Credit Bureaus: Account information may be reported to credit reporting agencies in accordance with applicable law
Legal Authorities: When required by law, court order, subpoena, or to protect our legal rights
Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to the acquirer’s commitment to honor this Privacy Policy
With Consent: With your explicit consent for purposes not otherwise described in this policy

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical, physical, and administrative security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Secure access controls and authentication protocols
Regular security assessments and updates
Employee training on privacy and data protection
Secure storage and disposal of physical records
Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to maintaining industry-standard protection measures.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Collection account records are typically retained for a minimum of six (6) years following the closure of an account, or as required by applicable provincial collection agency legislation. After this period, personal information is securely destroyed or anonymized.

Your Privacy Rights

Under PIPEDA and provincial privacy legislation, you have the following rights:

Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information (subject to legal and contractual restrictions)
Complaint: File a complaint with our Privacy Officer or with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Explanation: Receive information about our privacy practices and how your information is used

Please note that certain information may be retained if required by law or necessary for legitimate business purposes, including debt collection activities. Withdrawal of consent may limit our ability to provide services.

Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Our Privacy Officer

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact our Privacy Officer:

IRS Collections

Privacy Officer

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-877-282-0197

We will respond to your inquiry within thirty (30) days as required by PIPEDA.

Regulatory Compliance

IRS Collections is a licensed collection agency operating in compliance with:

Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
Provincial collection agency legislation across Canada
Provincial privacy legislation where applicable
Consumer protection legislation

You may file a privacy complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.priv.gc.ca or 1-800-282-1376.