Once a debt collector receives written notice from a consumer that the consumer refuses to pay the debt or wants the collector to stop further collection efforts, the debt collector must cease communications with the consumer except:
To advise the consumer that they are terminating their debt collecting efforts;
To notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor may invoke specified remedies which they ordinarily invoke; and
To notify the consumer that the debt collector or creditor intends to invoke a specified remedy.
Title: Maryland Letter Informing Debt Collector to Cease Communications with Debtor and that Debtor Refuses to Pay Alleged Debt Introduction: In Maryland, individuals facing debt collection harassment or experiencing unjustified demands can send a "Cease Communications" letter to a debt collector. This article aims to provide a detailed description of what this letter entails, including its purpose, content, and the different types available. Keywords: Maryland, debt collector, cease communications, debtor, alleged debt, refuse to pay, debt collection harassment, unjustified demands 1. Purpose of the Maryland Cease Communications Letter: The purpose of the Maryland Cease Communications letter is to firmly request a debt collector to stop contacting the debtor entirely regarding the alleged debt. This letter aims to provide the debtor with relief from potential harassment or unfair methods employed by the debt collector. 2. Content of the Letter: The Maryland Cease Communications letter should be clear, concise, and polite while providing essential information. It generally includes the following elements: a. Debtor's Information: Include the debtor's full name, current address, and contact information to establish identification. b. Debt Collector's Information: Provide the debt collector's name, contact details, and any pertinent identification or account numbers associated with the debtor's alleged debt. c. Statement that Debtor Refuses to Pay: Clearly articulate that the debtor denies the existence of the alleged debt and refuses to pay it. This informs the debt collector about the debtor's stance on the matter. d. Request to Cease Communications: State unequivocally that the debtor demands a complete cessation of all communications, whether via phone calls, emails, letters, or in-person visits, relating to the alleged debt. Highlight that further communication will be deemed harassment and may result in legal action. e. Formalize the Letter: Include wording to clarify that the letter serves as a formal documentation of the debtor's request to cease communications, enabling the debtor to pursue legal action if the debt collector continues to harass or demand payment. f. Method of Delivery: Specify whether the letter is being sent via certified mail, requiring a return receipt, or any other delivery methods that can prove its receipt by the debt collector. 3. Types of Maryland Cease Communications Letters: There are various types of Maryland Cease Communications letters, varying based on specific circumstances. Some examples include: a. Standard Cease Communications Letter: Used by debtors to request a complete halt of communication from debt collectors regarding any alleged debts. b. Cease and Desist letter: A more assertive version that explicitly demands the debt collector not only to cease communication but also to halt any further collection activities or else legal action may be taken. c. Attorney Cease Communications letter: When a debtor has legal representation, an attorney can draft and send the letter on behalf of the debtor, explicitly stating that all communication should be directed to the attorney's office. Conclusion: When facing alleged debt in Maryland, debtors can exercise their rights to protect themselves from harassment or unfair debt collection tactics by sending a Cease Communications letter. By clearly stating their refusal to pay and demanding an end to all communication related to the alleged debt, debtors can establish their position and potentially deter further harassment from debt collectors.
