Maryland Attorneys for Debt Collection Harassment
If you are experiencing debt collector harassment, Whitney, LLP’s Maryland attorneys for debt collection harassment can help you fight back. Whitney, LLP is a law firm of experienced Maryland debt collection harassment attorneys and debt collection defense lawyers, with success in protecting consumers from illegal debt collection practices. As experienced debt collection harassment lawyers and debt collection defense lawyers, Whitney, LLP fights for your rights under both the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MCDCA) and federal law, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
In Maryland, debt collection harassment and abusive collection tactics occur in many ways by many types of businesses, including:
- actual debt collectors,
- auto repossessions,
- auto loan companies,
- buy now, pay later companies,
- business that seek to collect money or property from its customers,
- debt buyers,
- wrongful evictions from apartments and businesses,
- law firms that are collecting debts for their clients,
- medical billing companies,
- tow truck companies, and
- utility companies, to name a few.
Read our blog about Whitney, LLP’s recovery of $30,000 for our clients who received abusive text messages from a car dealer attempting to collect an alleged debt (in this case, the return of a vehicle) that our clients disputed. Of course, all cases are different, and past results do not guarantee future results.
Contact Whitney, LLP for a Free Debt Collection Harassment Evaluation at 410 583 8000, or use our Quick Contact Form.
Watch our YouTube Channel to learn about the cases we handle and some of our results.
Our debt collection harassment clients do not pay any out of pocket fees or expenses.
Daniel W. Whitney and Daniel W. Whitney, Jr. of Whitney, LLP. Whitney, LLP represents clients in Maryland debt collector abuse claims.
How a Debt Collection Harassment Lawyer Near Me Can Help
Many Maryland residents are unaware that aggressive or abusive debt collection tactics are often illegal, and consumers have many legal rights to fight back.
If you are being harassed by a debt collector, a debt collector harassment attorney from Whitney, LLP can help you stop the abuse and seek compensation. Our team of debt collection harassment attorneys and creditor harassment lawyers has helped multiple clients sue debt collectors for harassment and to recover damages.
Often times it takes a debt collector being contacted by a law firm, and often having an illegal debt collection lawsuit being filed, for the debt collector to stop the abuse.
Compensation for Debt Collector Harassment and Abuse
Whitney, LLP has experience recovering compensation for debt collection harassment and wrongful collection attempts.
Victims of abusive debt collection tactics have many legal rights and may be able to collect compensation from debt collectors if the correct legal claims are brought.
Compensation for debt collection harassment can include:
- the forgiveness of debt, including car loans, back rent and other alleged amounts due,
- compensation for emotional distress for abuse collection tactics,
- economic damages due to the abusive collection tactics,
- potential punitive damages, and
- the debt collector paying Whitney, LLP’s attorney’s fees.
Understanding Debt Collection Harassment and Illegal Debt Collection Practices
Not all debt collection is unlawful, but there are strict boundaries that collectors must follow. The article What laws limit what debt collectors can say or do?, by the CPFB discuss their legal limits.
Illegal debt collection practices include:
- Repeated, excessive phone calls at all hours
- Use of abusive or obscene language
- Threats of violence, arrest, or lawsuits without basis
- Impersonating law enforcement or government officials
- Contacting your employer or family about your debt
- Publishing your name as someone who refuses to pay
- Misrepresenting the amount owed or the collector’s identity
Whitney, LLP’s debt collection harassment lawyers can help you identify when a collector crosses the line.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, a Maryland debt harassment attorney at Whitney, LLP can review your case for free.
Whitney, LLP’s Case Examples: Illegal Debt Collection Practices
Here are three examples of cases that Whitney, LLP’s debt collection defense lawyers have handled. Keep in mind that because Maryland’s debt collection laws are so broad, the law can be applied to an almost unlimited about of scenarios that involve abusive tactics trying to get money or property from a consumer.
Car Dealer Impersonates Police to Attempt to Collect an Alleged Debt
Whitney, LLP’s debt collection defense lawyers represented a client who was harassed by a used car dealer. The used car dealer sent a text messages impersonating a police officer to intimidate their customer to make payment on a disputed debt. The dealer also contacted the client’s employer and used threatening language. Our debt collection abuse attorneys filed a lawsuit, alleging violations of both the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MCDCA) and other consumer protection statutes. This case shows that illegal debt collection practices can come from both traditional debt collectors and original creditors.
Landlord Performs Wrongful Eviction Without the Legal Right
We have represented multiple tenants in claims against their landlords involving the landlord eviction tenants without the legal right to do so. Because those evictions are based on the landlord attempting to evict the tenant for alleged unpaid rent, Whitney, LLP filed lawsuits alleging claims including illegal debt collection. Illegal eviction debt collection claims can result in significant compensation for the victimized tenant.
Debt Collector and Tow Truck Company Illegally Repossess Consumers Paid-Off Vehicle
Due to an administrative error, a debt collection and debt buyer company believed that a consumer owed money on a car loan. However, the consumer had paid off the loan, and owned the car. Nonetheless, the debt collector hired a tow truck company to repossess the vehicle. After the illegal repossession, the tow truck company refused to return the vehicle the same day, and tried to force the consumer to pay fees she did not owe for the tow. Whitney, LLP filed a lawsuit against all of the responsible parties, resulting in significant compensation for our client for her upset, inconvenience and distress.
Your Legal Rights Under the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act (MCDCA)
Maryland’s MCDCA is a powerful tool for consumers. Unlike the FDCPA, which only covers third-party collectors, the MCDCA also applies to original creditors. This means that both a collection agency or the company you directly did business must follow Maryland law. The MCDCA incorporates many of the protections of the FDCPA in addition to creating others. When debt collectors break the law and engage in abusive collection tactics, Whitney, LLP’s debt collection defense lawyers can help.
Key Protections Under the MCDCA
Collectors and creditors in Maryland cannot engage in abusive tactics. The MCDCA determined that a debt collector may not:
- Threaten violence or criminal prosecution,
- Use obscene or abusive language,
- Disclose false information about your credit,
- Contact you or your relatives at unreasonable hours or too frequently,
- Threaten to disclose information to damage your reputation, and
- Contact a third party about a debt.
If you believe any of these actions have occurred, a Maryland debt harassment attorney or debt collection defense attorney at Whitney, LLP can help you sue debt collectors for harassment and recover damages.
Debt collection abuse is prohibited by the MCDCA and the FDCPA
The FDCPA: Federal Protection Against Debt Collection Abuse
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive third-party debt collectors. An FDCPA lawyer at Whitney, LLP can explain your rights and help you take action if you’ve been subjected to a variety of illegal practices. The FDCPA protections include:
- Harassment and Intimidation
Debt collectors cannot use abusive or threatening language, call repeatedly to annoy or harass, or use profanity. - Calling at Prohibited Times or Places
Debt collectors cannot contact you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., or call you at work if you’ve told them not to. - Threatening Legal Action They Cannot or Do Not Intend to Take
Debt collectors cannot threaten lawsuits, arrest, wage garnishment, or property seizure unless they have the legal right and intention to do so. - Misrepresentation and Deception
Debt collectors cannot pretend to be someone they are not (such as an attorney or law enforcement), misrepresent the amount owed, or use any false or deceptive means to collect a debt. - Unfair Practices
Debt collectors cannot charge unauthorized fees or interest, deposit post-dated checks early, or use unfair methods to collect a debt. - Contacting Third Parties About Your Debt
Debt collectors are generally prohibited from discussing your debt with anyone other than you, your spouse, your attorney, or a credit bureau. - Failure to Validate the Debt
Debt collectors must provide a validation notice with details about the debt and the creditor within five days of first contact, and must provide verification if you dispute the debt. - Ignoring Cease and Desist Requests
If you send a written request for a debt collector to stop contacting you, they must comply except to notify you of specific actions, like filing a lawsuit. - Using False or Misleading Documents
Debt collectors cannot send letters or forms that appear to be from a court or government agency if they are not. - Communicating False Credit Information
Debt collectors cannot report or threaten to report false information to credit bureaus, and must identify disputed debts as such.
If a debt collector violates the FDCPA, our debt collection harassment lawyers can help you sue debt collectors for harassment and recover compensation.
Common Illegal Debt Collection Practices in Maryland
Whitney, LLP believes these are among the most common abusive debt collection practices in Maryland:
- Ignoring Written Requests to Stop: Collectors must stop contacting you if you request it in writing.
- Calling at Unreasonable Times: Calls before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. are prohibited.
- Threatening Legal Action Without Intent: Collectors cannot threaten lawsuits or arrest unless they intend and are legally able to do so.
- Telling Third Parties About Your Debt: Disclosing your debt to anyone other than your attorney, spouse, or (if you’re a minor) parents is illegal.
- Impersonating Officials: Pretending to be a police officer, government agent, or attorney is strictly prohibited.
- Using Abusive Language: Any use of obscene, profane, or abusive language is a violation.
- Misrepresenting the Debt: Lying about the amount owed or the legal consequences of non-payment is illegal.
If you’ve experienced any of these, a debt collection abuse attorney or debt collector harassment attorney at Whitney, LLP can help you take the next steps.
Debt Collection Defense Lawyers – Initial Steps for Consumers to Take
If you are a victim of illegal debt collection practices in Maryland, you can protect yourself by:
- Tell the Collector to Stop: Inform the collector that their actions are illegal and you may take legal action, and tell them to preserve their recorded phone calls.
- Send a Written Request: Write to the collector by certified mail, as well as text or email response, requesting they stop contacting you. Keep all correspondence.
- Document Everything: Keep a log of calls, letters, and emails, and save any voicemails.
- Consult a Debt Collection defense lawyer: Search for a debt collection harassment attorney near me and find Whitney, LLP. Our Maryland debt harassment attorneys and FDCPA lawyers can review your case and help you sue debt collectors for harassment if your rights have been violated.
How Whitney, LLP’s Maryland Attorneys for Debt Collection Harassment Can Help
Whitney, LLP is an experienced consumer protection lawyer Maryland firm, with debt collection harassment lawyers and creditor harassment lawyers who have filed numerous lawsuits and arbitrations against predatory businesses. We have successfully represented multiple clients in claims, arbitrations and lawsuits against abusive collectors and creditors in Maryland.
Our Services Can Include:
- Investigating your case and gathering evidence of harassment or illegal conduct,
- Filing a lawsuit or arbitration,
- Negotiating with collectors and creditors to stop harassment, resolve disputes, and recover compensation, and
- Going to trial or the arbitration hearing.
As debt harassment attorneys, we represent clients throughout Maryland, including Annapolis, Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Landover, College Park, Laurel, Hagerstown, Salisbury, Ocean City, Lexington Park, Rockville and Towson.
Contact Whitney, LLP for a Free Evaluation at 410 583 8000, or use our Quick Contact Form.
