Statute

[David A. Szwak]

Maryland
Dealing with Debt Collectors Guide
www.oag.state.md.us/consumer/edge117.htm

Maryland Annotated Code, Title 15, Debt Collection--Special Provisions
Not readily available online. For more information:
http://mlis.state.md.us/other/MGA_FAQ.htm#stat

[David A. Szwak]

Maryland State Statutes Regulating Debt Collection / Debt Collectors


COMMERCIAL TITLE 14. MISCELLANEOUS CONSUMER PROTECTION PROVISIONS
SUBTITLE 2. CONSUMER DEBT COLLECTION


§ 14-201. Definitions.


(a) In general.- In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.


(b) Collector.- "Collector" means a person collecting or attempting to collect an alleged debt arising out of a consumer transaction.


(c) Consumer transaction.- "Consumer transaction" means any transaction involving a person seeking or acquiring real or personal property, services, money, or credit for personal, family, or household purposes.


(d) Person.- "Person" includes an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, or any other legal or commercial entity.


§ 14-202. Certain acts prohibited.


In collecting or attempting to collect an alleged debt a collector may not:

(1) Use or threaten force or violence;

(2) Threaten criminal prosecution, unless the transaction involved the violation of a criminal statute;

(3) Disclose or threaten to disclose information which affects the debtor's reputation for credit worthiness with knowledge that the information is false;

(4) Except as permitted by statute, contact a person's employer with respect to a delinquent indebtedness before obtaining final judgment against the debtor;

(5) Except as permitted by statute, disclose or threaten to disclose to a person other than the debtor or his spouse or, if the debtor is a minor, his parent, information which affects the debtor's reputation, whether or not for credit worthiness, with knowledge that the other person does not have a legitimate business need for the information;

(6) Communicate with the debtor or a person related to him with the frequency, at the unusual hours, or in any other manner as reasonably can be expected to abuse or harass the debtor;

(7) Use obscene or grossly abusive language in communicating with the debtor or a person related to him;

(8) Claim, attempt, or threaten to enforce a right with knowledge that the right does not exist; or

(9) Use a communication which simulates legal or judicial process or gives the appearance of being authorized, issued, or approved by a government, governmental agency, or lawyer when it is not.


§ 14-204. Short title.


This subtitle may be cited as the Maryland Consumer Debt Collection Act.


State of Maryland Website: http://mlis.state.md.us/