Top Consumer Protection Lawyers in Crofton & Bowie
Defending Against Unfair Business Practices in Maryland
Consumers put a lot of trust into companies who provide them with the goods and services they need. Unfortunately, there are companies out there to tend to take advantage of consumers and cheat them by supplying defective products, using abusive tactics to get money from customers, or even participating in illegal debt collection and deceptive trade practices.
Fortunately, there are laws in place that protect your rights as a consumer and punish those companies who engage in illegal practices. At Skipper Law, LLC, our Crofton and Bowie consumer protection attorneys will listen attentively to the details of your situation and work with you to gather the evidence and information needed to build a strong case.
Our team has experience both in and outside of the courtroom and we will passionately fight for the justice you deserve.
To schedule a consultation, call (410) 919-2121 or contact us online.
Understanding Your Consumer Rights in Maryland
While you should always exercise caution and common sense when purchasing anything, as a consumer, you also have a series of rights that are important to know.
In America, both the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice protect consumers under a series of state and federal laws, including the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
In 1973, Maryland passed the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which sets minimum statewide standards for the protection of consumers against unfair and deceptive business practices in the following areas:
- Debt collection
- Consumer credit extension
- The purchase, loan, rental, or lease of consumer goods, realty, or services
Stopping Harassment from Debt Collectors in Crofton & Bowie
In today’s economy, many people are in debt. Whether it’s student loans, car loans, or even loans for property, chance are many of us owe something to someone. However, in some instances, creditors take things too far and begin to harass you. This can be in the form of numerous calls threatening legal action, having someone arrested, or threatening to garnish wages.
Fortunately, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) as well as the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) prohibit:
- Calls to a cellphone without express permission
- Calls that are before 8 am or after 9 pm
- Creditors who disguise their voices
- Anonymous calls
- Threats of legal action, arrest, notifying employers, or notifying child services
- Any violations of the National Do Not Call Registry
Although you may feel powerless due to the constant calls and harassment, know that you have rights and can contact our Crofton and Bowie consumer rights attorneys to help put a stop to such matters. Our goal is to restore your peace of mind.
Combatting Deceptive Advertising in Maryland
Have you ever seen an advertisement where the product seemed too good to be true? Chances are you’re right. Unfortunately, there are some businesses and companies out there who make money by deceiving consumers and providing false information in order to get them to purchase their products or services.
Examples of such deceptive trade practices include but are not limited to:
- False or misleading information about sponsorship, ingredients, benefits, quantities, approvals, etc.
- Selling a used or altered product and presenting it as new
- Misleading advertising, including those that display a product or service in different ways than they’re intended to be sold
- Misrepresenting the reason for a discount or the comparison between a business’s price and that of a competitor’s
- Falsely stating that a repair or service is needed
- Falsifying the reason for a sale or discount
Consumer Protection – Illegal Debt Collection
One of the most common sources of stress and anxiety for our clients arises from attempts – often by community associations and their property managers – to collect money from homeowners that is not actually owed. Both federal and state law take seriously illegal debt collection, and it is sometimes true that we uncover illegal debt collection in our representation of homeowners.
Associations often attempt to revoke property rights in an attempt to collect debt, a practice which is often illegal. Other times Associations assert a right to collect fees not provided for by law or seek attorneys’ fees substantially greater than would actually be awarded as reasonable in a court of law.
Because these types of cases often settle confidentially, we are unable to list the many cases we have won on behalf of homeowners subject to illegal debt collection. If your Board of Directors or property manager has implemented a rule or policy that permits the taking of your property rights in an effort to collect debt, please contact us.
To discuss your case with one of our Crofton and Bowie consumer protection attorneys, call (410) 919-2121.
Skipper Law, LLC Will Help You Fight Back
If a business recently resorted to abusive tactics in order to get money from you, we can help. Our attorneys are prepared to do what it takes to pursue favorable results. As a civil litigation firm, we value honesty, and integrity and we work hard to restore justice to consumers who were wronged by any sellers, creditors, or companies.
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Anonymous v. Defendant Driver and Nationwide Insurance Co.
Six-figure recovery for victim of a multiple roll-over accident that claimed less than $20,000 in medical expenses.
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Anonymous Family v. Defendant Driver
Near policy limits recovery was paid to the family of a young woman wrongfully killed by a negligent driver.
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Anonymous v. BJ and Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
Substantial recovery for victim of another’s negligent driving that necessitated surgery.
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Anonymous Estate and Family v. Multiple Defendants
Recovery for family of wrongful death victim.
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Anonymous v. Building Owner
Substantial recovery for the victim of a slip-and-fall accident who suffered a traumatic brain injury.
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Anonymous v. Defendant Homeowner
Sizable recovery for a minor attacked by a dog, causing injuries which required multiple stitches.
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Anonymous v. PM and Insurance Company
Policy limits paid to a man who lost mobility due to the negligence of another.
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KB v. Defendant Driver
Policy limits tender for client with limited medical expenses, but suffered permanent injuries in her hands and wrists as a result of the accident.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
At Skipper Law, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Thanks again Matt!!"My daughter was only 11 when she was hurt at a recreational venue. Matt successfully won her case, even with some very difficult legal circumstances!!- Kathy L.
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"Skipper Law saved me over $100,000 on an appeal against one of the largest financial services (brokerage) firms in the United States!"I cannot express how happy I am that I hired Matthew D. Skipper to handle my case. It was like David vs. Goliath where a young, soon to be King David won and SO DID WE! It did not take our opposition (a large Wall Street firm that we sued, including their "team of attorneys") long to realize that they were headed to very embarrassing, public defeat that would have most likely garnered national attention; and as a result they quickly conceded defeat! As if counter-suing and defeating a multi-billion dollar fortune 500 firm wasn't enough, after calling their bluff Matthew advised me to demand that they also pay 100% of my legal fees to his law firm AND THEY DID IT!!! As I recall how Matthew crafted an extremely well written counter claim against our opponents and delivered what could only be described as a majestic oral argument before the Federal Court, I cannot help but think that King David himself would have been proud to have Matthew D. Skipper of Skipper Law, LLC as his legal counsel! If you need an attorney, do NOT leave this page until you contact Skipper Law at: (443) 274-6106.- M. Smith, President of Wealthcare Financial Group, Inc.
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"These guys are true professionals."These guys are true professionals. Friendly, knowledgeable, and hard-working.- Sean J.
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"Integrity-Matt and staff have it!"Without saying too much, when I met Matt my family was broken and had all the control of my lives stolen by others. With his help my family and I regained control of ours lives. The process taught me a lot and I thank Matt and staff!- Dominick H.
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"Thanks for all your help."Skipper law is a professional and with his help I am able to sleep good at night. Thanks for all your help.- Nick C.
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"He is not your typical lawyer, and has very high moral character, honesty, and integrity."I purchased a new SF home and we discovered that we had a water leak in the basement. Matt Skipper was able to help me win my claim against seller for not disclosing this as a "latent defect." Matt was very effective at gathering information and- Brian K.
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"I recommend his legal services."Mr. Skipper presented a well-researched, excellent argument for my case. He is trustworthy and dependable. I recommend his legal services.- Former Client
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"Matt is very honest and a valuable asset."I met Matt for my HOA case for solar panels on my roof. He is very courteous, patient listener and he knew the client needs very well. He gave very valuable advise and is very expert in the legal issues and always do 100% to the client needs.- Former Client