Debt collectors can be intimidating when they demand payment for your debts. But what happens when they call you at work?
As a consumer, federal and Maryland state laws offer you protection from debt collector misconduct. These laws outline the actions a collector can and cannot take in relation to your workplace, offering clear insights into your rights.
The clear line collectors cannot cross
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) prohibits debt collectors from contacting you at work under certain circumstances. If a collector knows or has reason to know that your employer forbids such calls, they cannot call you while working. Additionally, they cannot contact you at work if you request that they stop calling you there.
Moreover, the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MCDCA) bars debt collectors from contacting your employer and informing them about your debt. However, collectors can contact your employer once they receive a final court judgment against you.
Actions to take when a collector contacts your employer
If a debt collector violates legal provisions, you must immediately document this instance. The first step is sending a formal letter to the collection company, demanding that they stop all contact. Obtain a return receipt, as this serves as proof that the collector received your notice.
At this point, the collector agency can reply to your letter and inform you that they will either stop contacting you or take legal action against you. However, some collectors will persist in contacting you at work, which is a clear violation of your rights. Finding an attorney can be beneficial in navigating the legal process and holding the collector accountable.