Debt collectors in Maryland and the rest of the country use a variety of different tactics to collect on the debts that are owed to them. Unfortunately, they’re not always acting in a legally abiding manner. As a consumer, it’s vital that you understand what debt collectors cannot do so that you know if your consumer rights have been violated.
1. They cannot lie about their identity
Any debt collector who contacts you must be upfront about who they are. They may not lie about who they are to get you to pay your bill. For example, they cannot claim to be a government agent who will freeze your bank account if you don’t comply with paying their bill. Professionals who offer debt collection harassment help for consumers may assist you with understanding what debt collectors can and cannot do in regard to your personal assets.
2. They can’t discuss your debt with anyone else
The debt that you take on in your own name is considered your private business. Debt collectors may not share that private business with anybody else unless you specify that they can do so. For example, if you hire an attorney to help with your case, the debt collector may talk to them if you give them permission to do so.
However, they cannot discuss your debts with any of your family members, your boss or anybody else. In addition, debt collectors cannot call you at unreasonable hours of the day. Unreasonable would be considered anything after 9 p.m. and before 8 a.m.
The debt collection industry has been known to use illegal tactics to get people to pay their debts. As a consumer, it’s a good idea to understand what your rights are in regard to debt collection agencies. This way, you can identify when you’re rights are being violated.