What happens if I cannot afford to pay a debt collector?

If you’re unable to pay a debt collector in Maryland, there are options available to you. The first step should be to contact the debt collector and let them know that you can’t afford to pay the debt. This communication should be put in writing and mailed to the collection agency. Under the Collection Defense Law, debt collectors must stop any collection activities and provide you with a letter confirming that the debt is settled and/or that a payment plan has been agreed upon. If payments will be made over time, the debt collector must provide you with a written statement of the payment plan and the terms of the agreement. If a debt collector continues to try to collect payment for a debt that you cannot afford to pay, then they may be violating the Collection Defense Law. In such cases, it is important to contact an attorney experienced in debt collection law for advice and possibly representation. Some debt collectors may also be willing to work out an alternative payment arrangement that works for you and are willing to negotiate a settlement of the debt. In some cases, the debt collector may even agree to reduce or forgive the debt completely. Contact the debt collector directly to discuss any of these alternatives that could help you resolve the debt.

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What happens if I cannot afford to pay a debt collector?

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