Top Consumer Protection Lawyers in Crofton
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
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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. BJ and Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.
Substantial recovery for victim of another’s negligent driving that necessitated surgery.
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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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Anonymous v. Defendant Trucking Company
Recovery for victim struck by a large truck that failed to stop at a red light.
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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.
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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. 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 Estate and Family v. Multiple Defendants
Recovery for family of wrongful death victim.
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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"Mr. Skipper is very honest and reasonable. I highly recommend Skipper Law, LLC."I had water damage in my investment condo which the HOA refused to cover. Matt Skipper explained the Maryland law regarding HOAs responsibilities. Mr. Skipper was able to secure a settlement from the HOA on my behalf which includes loss of rental income.- Evel F.
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"I am thoroughly impressed that such an incredible lawyer and staff exist."Mr Matt and his team went to extra lengths to assist our company on a complicated case. In the end we received way more than I would have had I gone to any other lawyer. I am thoroughly impressed that such an incredible lawyer and staff exist.- Rose E.
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"Skipper Law Firm house the best Homeowner/Condo Association and Personal Injury attorneys in the DMV!"When I had a personal crisis with a condo association illegally shutting off utilities, I was referred to Matt Skipper. I felt extremely comfortable as he was attentive, knowledgeable, and communicative. I CANNOT thank Matt enough!- Des A.
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"Call Skipper Law! He's worth it!"Matt Skipper represented me against my condo HOA Board of Directors. Their threatening letter terrified me. He sent my HOA a well researched, informative letter with a polite request of what we wanted. Sure enough he got the HOA to back off !- Vicky H.
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"Well-versed in the law and continuously worked to meet the needs of those seeking fair and just legal recourse."Matt and his entire team of legal experts were a tremendous help to me. They represented me in a case that involved a very scrupulous condo development, to which Matt and his team successfully settled my case.- Lou P.
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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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"Take it from someone who works in the legal field — it is very difficult to find an attorney like Matt."I was rear-ended and slammed into the car in front of me. My car was totaled, and I was taken away in an ambulance. I immediately contacted Matt to consult him for legal advice, and he not only took on my case, but he also comforted me during a rough time.- Lisa A.
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"I recommend this law firm to any homeowner."I recommend this law firm to any homeowner. Matthew, Jeffrey, and the entire team were very thorough and helpful to me. In addition to their legal expertise the level of service and professionalism far exceeded my expectations.- Kevin F.