The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law that protects consumers from unwanted and intrusive phone calls. This includes those from debt collectors. It is important to understand how the TCPA enables consumers to halt harassment from debt collectors.
Identifying harassment
Under the TCPA, the law prohibits debt collectors from using automated dialing systems, pre-recorded messages, or sending unsolicited texts to consumers without their consent. When a resident receives repeated or aggressive calls, they can consider this harassment. These actions include frequent calls at inconvenient times, calls to your workplace after you have requested them to stop, and any form of threatening language used by debt collectors.
In Maryland, consumers are also protected by the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MCDCA). This provides additional safeguards against abusive debt collection practices. This means that Maryland residents have federal and state-level protections to ensure that debt collectors treat them fairly.
Steps to take when harassed
Consumers can take specific actions when they experience harassment. They should document each violation, noting the date, time, and nature of the call or message. If legal action is required, this record serves as important evidence.
Consumers can formally request that the debt collector stop contacting them. This should halt further communication. If the harassment continues, you can file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or consider filing a lawsuit.
Your rights
Using the TCPA to stop debt collection harassment empowers consumers to maintain control over their communications. The TCPA offers a clear path to assert your rights and hold debt collectors accountable, ensuring you do not have to endure harassment without recourse.