Debt collectors often call repeatedly to pressure you into paying. In Maryland, federal and state laws limit how often and how aggressively they can contact you. The law allows some contact but draws a clear line between reasonable communication and harassment. Knowing where that line falls helps you protect your rights and act when collectors cross it.
How the law limits collection calls
Under the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and its updates in Regulation F, collectors cannot call with the intent to annoy or harass you. The law sets a clear limit known as the 7-in-7 rule. It treats calls as harassment if a collector calls more than seven times within seven days about the same debt. Once a collector speaks with you, they must usually wait another seven days before calling again.
Additional protections under Maryland law
In Maryland, the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MCDCA) also restricts frequent calls that rise to the level of abuse or harassment. Collectors cannot call before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. local time. They must stop calling your workplace if they know your employer prohibits personal calls. Once they become aware of that policy, any further work calls are in violation of the law. You do not need to send a formal letter. Telling them over the phone is enough.
You also have the right to send a written cease-communication notice. Once the collector receives it, they may contact you for only two reasons. They may confirm they will stop. They may also notify you that they plan to take a specific legal action, such as filing a lawsuit.
How an attorney can protect your rights
Debt collectors often count on consumers not knowing these specific rules. Thus, speaking with an attorney is advisable. They may step in quickly to stop unlawful contact. An attorney may also require collectors to communicate only through legal counsel, rather than calling you directly. Additionally, you may be able to recover money for damages and stress if they violate the law.