Recording phone calls with debt collectors may help protect your rights, but it is important to understand Maryland’s laws before doing so. Maryland is a two-party consent state. This means that both parties must agree to the recording.
If you record a phone call without the other party’s consent, you might violate Maryland’s wiretapping and electronic surveillance laws. Learning how to navigate these laws will help you deal with debt collectors appropriately.
How to legally record conversations with a debt collector
If a debt collector calls and you want to record the conversation, you must tell the debt collector and receive clear permission. The best way to do this is by stating at the beginning of the call, “This call may be recorded,” and asking, “Do you agree to be recorded?” If the collector agrees, the recording may continue. If the collector refuses or hangs up, it is not legal to record the call. Ignoring this rule could lead to legal consequences.
Some debt collectors record calls as well. They might say, “This call may be recorded for quality assurance.” If the collector records the call and informs the consumer, that counts as consent. At that point, you may also record the call.
Why you should record debt collection calls
Recording a call with permission can help keep a record of what the collector says. This may be useful if the collector uses abusive language, makes false threats or fails to follow debt collection laws. A recording may provide strong evidence of improper behavior or harassment.
Other ways to protect your rights
You should also consider taking written notes during or after a call. Write down the name of the collector, the company and the time of the call. These notes, along with a legal recording, may help show if a collector broke any rules under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act or Maryland laws.
In Maryland, recording calls with debt collectors can help protect against unfair practices. However, state law requires consent from both sides. Always ask for permission to record and keep written notes during debt collection calls. These steps may help you protect your consumer rights and stay informed throughout the debt collection process.