Getting collection calls can feel stressful, and many people worry most about one thing: can a debt collector take part of their paycheck? In Maryland, a collector can garnish your wages only if they sue you, win the case and get a judgment. Knowing the rules helps...
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Consumer Rights
Can a debt collector contact your workplace?
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...
When a collection company pursues payment of a zombie debt
Collection calls are frustrating and sometimes downright frightening. Collection companies call people at home and at work. They may threaten to take legal action against individuals. They can attempt to garnish wages or place liens against property. Most people...
Legal remedies for debt collection abuse
Dealing with debt is stressful enough without facing harassment or unfair treatment from collectors. Unfortunately, some collectors cross the line, using threats, repeated calls or misleading information to pressure you. These actions can create emotional and...
Why you shouldn’t lash out at a debt collector
When a debt collector contacts you, any conversation that you may have with them can be stressful and emotional. If you feel you are being treated unfairly, your first instinct might be to lash out. While frustration is understandable, responding with anger can hurt...
How do identity theft alerts affect your credit report in MD?
If you believe someone has misused your personal information to open accounts or obtain loans, placing an identity theft alert on your credit report offers important safeguards. It instructs lenders to take additional steps to verify your identity before approving new...
You can tell debt collectors to stop contacting you
Dealing with debt collectors can be stressful, especially when they continuously contact you about a debt. However, as a consumer, you have the right to request that debt collectors stop contacting you. This is an important step in maintaining your peace of mind, and...
4 unethical behaviors that unscrupulous debt collectors may attempt
Consumers dealing with debt collection are already under stress, and unfortunately, some debt collectors exploit that vulnerability. Not all collectors operate lawfully. In fact, some use pressure, fear or deception to force payment. Recognizing unethical behavior is...
What should you know about debt validation?
Receiving any communication from a debt collector can induce immediate stress, especially if you don’t know how to handle it. If you’re in this position, the first thing you need to do is determine if the debt is accurate. Debt validation is a way for you to require...
What to do if a debt collector contacts you on a debt that isn’t yours
You check your phone, and there’s a voicemail from a debt collector, but the name they are asking for isn’t yours or the amount sounds off. Before panic sets in or you start trying to explain, pause. Getting contacted about a debt you don’t recognize is more common...
