556

LAWS OF MARYLAND

[Ch. 49

REVISOR'S NOTE: This subsection presently appears as
Art. 83, §167(c).

The only changes are in style.

(D) PERSON.

"PERSON" INCLUDES AN INDIVIDUAL,      CORPORATION,

BUSINESS TRUST, ESTATE, TRUST, PARTNERSHIP,      ASSOCIATION,

TWO OR MORE PERSONS HAVING A JOINT OR COMMON   INTEREST, OR
ANY OTHER LEGAL OR COMMERCIAL ENTITY.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This subsection is new language
setting forth a broad, standardized definition
of the word "person" as used in this article.
It is a synthesis of the U.C.C. definitions of
"person" and "organization" contained in
§1—201 (28) and (30) of this article, except
that the reference to "government or
governmental subdivision or agency" is not
included. This definition is in no way
intended to change the present law, merely to
clarify it.

14-202. CERTAIN ACTS PROHIBITED.

IN COLLECTING OR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT AN ALLEGED
DEBT A COLLECTOR MAY NOT:

(1)   USE OR THREATEN FORCE OR VIOLENCE;

(2)    THREATEN CRIMINAL PROSECUTION, UNLESS THE
TRANSACTION INVOLVED THE VIOLATION OF A CRIMINAL STATUTE;

(3)    DISCLOSE OR THREATEN TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION
WHICH AFFECTS THE DEBTOR'S REPUTATION FOR CREDIT
WORTHINESS WITH KNOWLEDGE THAT THE INFORMATION IS FALSE;

(4)   EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY STATUTE, CONTACT A
PERSON'S EMPLOYER WITH RESPECT TO A DELINQUENT
INDEBTEDNESS BEFORE OBTAINING FINAL JUDGMENT AGAINST THE
DEBTOR;

(5)    EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY STATUTE, DISCLOSE OR
THREATEN TO DISCLOSE TO A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEBTOR OR
HIS SPOUSE OR, IF THE DEBTOR IS A MINOR, HIS PARENT,
INFORMATION WHICH AFFECTS THE DEBTOR'S REPUTATION,
WHETHER OR NOT FOR CREDIT WORTHINESS, WITH KNOWLEDGE THAT
THE OTHER PERSON DOES NOT HAVE A LEGITIMATE BUSINESS NEED
FOR THE INFORMATION;

(6)   COMMUNICATE WITH THE DEBTOR OR A PERSON RELATED
TO HIM WITH THE FREQUENCY, AT THE UNUSUAL HOURS, OR IN
ANY OTHER MANNER AS REASONABLY CAN BE EXPECTED TO ABUSE