Debt Collector Harassment in Maryland
Debt Collector Harassment in Maryland
Residents of Maryland that are facing debt should know that there are state and federal protections against harassment. Maryland Legal Aid states that any attempt to use threats or violence to coerce your payment is illegal and constitutes harassment. In addition, debt collectors are prohibited from misrepresenting themselves, contacting your employer, or using profane language over the phone.
Misrepresentations
- The amount of money you owe
- False threats saying they will have you arrested
- Saying they are an attorney if they aren’t one
- Threats to do something that the debt collector has no intention of doing
- Threats to take actions that are not within the confines of the law
If you think any Maryland debt collectors may have misrepresented themselves to you, it’s important to remember that you have options. Get in contact with an attorney who understands debt collector law.
Who Are Debt Collectors?
Most people don’t know what a debt collector is until they have one incessantly calling them about paying off debt. So, who are debt collectors? Who do they work for?
Collectors come from a debt collection agency that works with creditors who are owed debts. If you have outstanding debt in Maryland , such as credit debt, unpaid loans, and personal loans, your creditor may contact a debt collection agency. This agency then assigns a debt collector to your case.
If you have fallen behind in payments, you may have to deal with a debt collection agency such as Alacrity Collections, or CSRS Inc. The Better Business Bureau can provide you with a list of accredited debt collection agencies in Maryland.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Harassed By a Debt Collector In Maryland?
Step 1: Know Your Rights
Step 2: Collect Records
If you’ve been harassed in Maryland by a debt collector, it’s important to gather evidence. The Maryland Attorney General’s Office encourages consumers to file any complaints with the Maryland Collection Agency Licensing Board. If you decide to sue the debt collection agency, you should try to be as prepared as possible. Send a Stop Contact letter as soon as possible. If you can, try to send it certified mail so you’ll have a receipt. You might also contact your phone provider and get a print copy of your records to have an accurate statement of how often you’ve been contacted. In addition, you should keep copies of any payment agreements, and receipts for any payments you’ve made.
Step 3: Remain Calm and Act Deliberately
When you’re being abused or harassed by a bullish Maryland debt collector, it’s easy to get angry and act impulsively. Unfortunately, this can cause you to say or do something detrimental to your case. Instead, try to remain calm and make all your actions deliberate and well-thought-out. Not only will this be better for keeping your stress levels low, but it will prove helpful if you go to court. You can show that you were respectful and calm while the debt collector was the one using abusive language.
Step 4: Ask for Debt Verification
If you’re constantly getting phone calls from Maryland debt collectors harassing you about what you owe, you need to ask for debt verification. Not only will this show whether or not they are misrepresenting your debt, but the debt collector must also stop contacting you until they provide the information you requested. Debt verification should show the amount of debt you owe and the name of the creditor. You have 30 days to dispute the validity of the debt. If you don’t dispute the debt, the creditor will assume the debt is valid.
Step 5: Contact an Attorney
Step 6: Present Your Case
By hiring an experienced Maryland debt collector attorney, you have a better chance of winning the lawsuit and getting financial compensation for abuses such as phone harassment.
According to the Maryland Law Library, while sending a Stop Contact letter can prevent a debt collector from contacting you, it does not prevent them from filing suit. However, if you have experienced harassment, you have 1 year to file suit against the collection agency. If you win the suit you are eligible to receive wages or income that you lost due to the harassment. As well, the collection agency may have to pay the legal fees and court costs associated with your case.
Because there are both federal and state statutes regarding debt collection, you can choose to file either in a U.S. District Court, or a Maryland State Court. An experienced attorney in Maryland can help you decide which is the most beneficial for your case.
Work With an Experienced Maryland Debt Collector Harassment Lawyer
If you’ve experienced debt collector harassment in Maryland, it’s time to put an end to it so you can move forward with life. There are laws in place to protect consumers from debt collectors. Legal assistance can help you to navigate these complex laws and defend yourself in court, if necessary.
Are you ready to find a debt collector attorney near you so you can finally fight back against the harassment? We can even help you connect with an attorney across Maryland state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
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