How to Prevent Debt Collection Harassment in Maryland

Resources provided by Peter A. Holland.

1. Get a copy of all three credit reports from the only government sanctioned website: www.annualcreditreport.com

2. Review your credit reports carefully and dispute any inaccurate information in writing: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/314/how-do-i-dispute-an-error-on-my-credit-report.html

3. Write a letter to the debt collector demanding proof of the debt and the amount: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/1695/ive-been-contacted-debt-collector-how-do-i-reply.html

4. Submit a Complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:

• http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
• https://help.consumerfinance.gov/app/debtcollection/ask#currentPage=0

5. Submit a complaint to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/finance/consumers/collagc.shtml

6. If the collector violated the law, hire a lawyer to sue them in court. They may be liable for damages, court costs and attorney’s fees under federal or Maryland law: https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1692k and http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmStatutesText.aspx?article=gcl&section=14-201&ext=html&session=2016RS&tab=subject5

7. Private Attorneys:

National Association of Consumer Advocates: http://www.consumeradvocates.org/find-an-attorney

Maryland Civil Justice Network: http://www.civiljusticenetwork.org/ForConsumers/Findalawyer.aspx

8. Other resources:

• FREE Maryland District Court Self Help Center and Website: http://www.mdcourts.gov/selfhelp/
• Maryland People’s Law Library: https://www.peoples-law.org/debt-collectors-and-law
• Maryland District Court Small Claims Website: http://www.mdcourts.gov/legalhelp/smallclaims.html
• Look up your case on Maryland Judiciary Case Search Website: http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch//inquiry-index.jsp
• Legislative Advocacy: http://www.marylandconsumers.org/