Maryland § 14-202

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 14-202, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 14-202.

    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;

        (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;

        (10)    Engage in unlicensed debt collection activity in violation of the Maryland Collection Agency Licensing Act; or

        (11)    Engage in any conduct that violates §§ 804 through 812 of the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 14-202

What does Maryland Code § 14-202 cover?

Section 14-202 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 14-202?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 14-202" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 14-202 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.