If you want to shield yourself from identity theft, you might be considering a security freeze and/or a credit lock. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two measures; by understanding their features and limitations, consumers can make informed decisions about their credit protection needs. Security Freeze: Your Statutory Right. A security…
Breach of peace repossession – a legal term that describes a situation where a creditor or debt collector has taken possession of consumer property, usually a car, using force or intimidation. A breach of peace repossession in Maryland is illegal and can result in severe penalties. Car repossession is an unfortunate reality that many people…
As a consumer protection lawyer, one of the most common questions I receive from clients and non-clients alike is, “how do I get debt collectors to stop calling!?.” Having creditors constantly calling is a stressful and unpleasant experience, to say the least. Fortunately, there are measures that consumers can take to keep debt collectors from…
Early this month, our in-house identity theft lawyer, Emanwel (Manny) Turnbull, had a chance to engage in discussion with Hatti Savari and her popular, law-focused podcast, “Get Legally Speaking.” The conversation focuses on some of the more alarming trends and statics regarding identity theft and credit reporting errors many Americans face today, in the post-pandemic…
Maryland’s repossession laws have specific provisions designed to protect consumers from overreaching banks and finance companies. You still have protections even if your car was a “voluntary repo.” In general, the bank or finance company still has to give you notice of the time and place of the sale, still has to give you a…
One problem facing victims of identity theft is victim-blaming. People often feel that they must have done something that makes them, in some way, to blame for their ID theft. And some companies like to blame the victim of identity theft, either making them responsible for the original fraud or blaming them for not proving…
Identity theft is a terrible problem to have: it can ruin your credit, and you can even get sued over debts that aren’t yours. If you’re a victim of identity theft, it’s obvious to you what happened: you know that you didn’t buy gold bullion in Oregon, rent an apartment in Miami, or open a…
With roughly 944 people affected in 2021 at the expense of over $6.3 million in Maryland alone, social security identity theft is a crime that affects thousands of people across the country each year. Your social security number is tied directly to your livelihood– your healthcare information, access to financial accounts, and almost all forms…
Every year, the nationwide consumer reporting agencies (NCRAs)—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion- receive tens of thousands of complaints regarding incorrect information on consumer credit reports. And, every year, the NCRAs attempt to solve their communication/operational problems with new policies that sometimes work and sometimes make no significant difference. Recently, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released its…
Peter had an opportunity to sit down with John Frenaye from “Eye on Annapolis” and discuss some of the issues confronting consumers today and what he does as a consumer protection and identity theft lawyer. John is a distinguished journalist and an informed member of the greater Maryland business community. Hear the entire interview by clicking…