Sometimes, debt collectors take advantage of vulnerable people in Maryland to collect payments. However, state and federal laws prohibit them from using threats, intimidation or lies to pressure you. Identifying illegal behavior is the first step toward protecting your rights.
Harassing you through different forms of contact
Debt collectors can contact you by text, email or social media. However, they legally cannot harass you or anyone else through these platforms. If they reach out electronically, they must provide an easy way for you to opt out of future messages. Persistent messaging that disrupts your daily life is often unethical and may qualify as harassment.
Misstating your debt details
To pressure you into a quick payment, some collectors may give false information about your debt, including:
- The total amount you owe
- Overdue debts you do not know about
- Unpaid amounts on a settled debt
- Your connection to someone else’s debt
If you know the details of your debt, it can be worrying to hear a different story from the collector. However, protecting your rights and finances is more important than falling for their aggressive tactics.
Contacting you at inconvenient times
In general, debt collectors should not contact you at times they know are inconvenient. If they call early in the morning (before 8 a.m.) or late at night (after 9 p.m.), it could indicate troubling behavior. They may be purposely doing this so they can claim you are avoiding them or refusing to pay your debt due to your supposed unavailability when they reach out.
Visiting you at inappropriate places
While debt collectors can legally visit your home to collect a debt, they cannot legally approach you in other places, including your office or in public spaces. Discussing the details of your debt in front of others also violates your privacy, making public confrontation generally an unethical practice.
What you can do to protect yourself
If a debt collector treats you unfairly or unethically, you have the right to file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Moreover, you can protect yourself from harassment by seeking legal guidance. A lawyer can interact with the collector on your behalf, shielding you from further direct contact.