Laws that protect you
- Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq. — restricts third-party debt collectors.
- Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MCDCA), Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-201 et seq. — applies to collectors and, in many cases, original creditors.
- Maryland Collection Agency Licensing Act — most collection agencies must be licensed to collect in Maryland.
Common violations
- Calling repeatedly or at unusual hours to harass
- Threatening arrest, wage garnishment, or lawsuits that can't or won't happen
- Discussing your debt with family, neighbors, or your employer
- Collecting on time-barred, inflated, or already-paid debts
- Suing or collecting without a required Maryland license
What to do now
Keep call logs, voicemails, letters, and screenshots. Don't admit the debt or make a payment under pressure until you understand your rights.
Frequently asked questions
- Can a debt collector call me at work?
- Under the FDCPA, a collector generally may not contact you at work if it knows or has reason to know your employer prohibits such calls.
- What if the debt isn't mine or the amount is wrong?
- You can dispute the debt in writing. Collecting amounts not authorized by agreement or law may violate both federal and Maryland law.
- Does it cost anything to bring a claim?
- Federal and Maryland consumer statutes frequently allow a successful consumer to recover attorney's fees from the violator. Ask about fee arrangements during your evaluation.