If you owe an entity money and do not pay, that company may send your account to collections. At this point, a debt collector will likely try to contact you to obtain money to cover what you owe. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a debt collector...
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Consumer Rights
Federal government warns lenders against unlawful repossessions
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a warning to auto lenders to avoid repossessing vehicles before they are legally allowed to. A representative for the consumer watchdog said that the organization has only seen a small increase in repossessions but wants...
Does your financed car have a kill switch?
Like many other Marylanders, you have no choice but to drive to and from work. If you cannot afford to buy a car outright, you also might have no choice but to finance one. While it is advisable to purchase your vehicle from a highly-rated dealer, there are plenty of...
Can debt collectors use social media to shame you?
With the high cost of everyday items nowadays, it should come as no surprise that many Americans must reach for their credit cards to make necessary purchases. Indeed, according to reporting from Yahoo!, 14 million Americans have more than $10,000 in credit card debt....
What happens to the personal property in your repossessed car?
If you are delinquent on your car payments, you can expect your lender to repossess your vehicle. While traumatic for you, car repossessions are exceedingly common in the U.S. In fact, according to reporting from CBS News, even many Americans with good credit scores...
How much force can a repossessor use?
Financing automobiles is big business in the U.S. Indeed, according to Lending Tree, Americans collectively owe roughly $1.46 trillion on the cars, trucks and SUVs they drive every day. This means car loans account for approximately 9% of all the outstanding debt in...
What are my rights when debt collectors call?
Debt collectors can be incredibly diligent in trying to contact you about debt. You may become upset over calls you receive. Luckily, federal laws set the rules for how debt collectors may use the phone in their attempt to contact you. Time limits Debt collectors must...
Reporting Rental Payment Information to the Credit Bureaus Has Drawbacks
Reporting rental payment information to credit bureaus has drawbacks, especially for lower income renters. The National Consumer Law Center has published a paper on the issues presented when rental payment information is automatically reported to the credit bureaus.
Do you have legal protection when you finance or buy items online?
These days, it is common to find many stores with online shops where you can easily buy items online. Fortunately, the Fair Credit Billing Act protects consumers who use their credit cards online, even if they use them in stores outside of the state. This includes...
What is the Maryland Fair Debt Collection Act?
Many circumstances may lead to a person owing a debt. While debt collection is legal, debt collectors must adhere to the law in how they seek to obtain payment. Illegal debt collection practices often include techniques that harass and threaten people, causing stress,...