COVID-19 Coronavirus FAQs  ​​

​​Updated 9/4/2020​​

Please note: The Attorney General's Office is the attorney for the state and its agencies and cannot offer legal advice to individuals. If you need help with a personal legal matter you may want to contact a private attorney.

1.  How do I report suspected price-gouging in stores or from online sellers to your office?​​

Please submit your price-gouging complaint on our website: www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov. Click on "File a Consumer Complaint" and choose the General Complaint Form. You can also download a paper complaint form, including instructions for filing, from our website. Alternatively, you may send a letter describing your complaint, along with copies of relevant documentation to: Consumer Protection Division, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202. Instead of mailing, you may fax this information to 410-576-7040. We are unable to accept complaints by email.

2.  Can I be evicted while this State of Emergency is in effect in Maryland?​​

Under the Governor's Executive Order issued March 16, 2020, residential evictions of those suffering from substantial financial hardship related to COVID-19 are prohibited until the State of Emergency is lifted.  Eviction is a judicial process and cannot take place while the courts are closed.  If you are being harassed or threatened with eviction during COVID-19 by your landlord, you may call the Consumer Protection Division's hotline at 410-528-8662.​

 

3.  What businesses are considered “essential" in Maryland under the Governor's Executive Orders?

The types of business that can remain open are listed on the Governor's website under Interpretive Guidance.

 

4.​   I don't agree that a business is considered “essential." Who can I talk to?

The Governor's Office made the determination as to which businesses are considered “essential." You can call that office at 410-974-3901 or use this online form to contact that office.

 

5.  I own a business in Maryland; am I allowed to stay open during this State of Emergency?

The types of business that can remain open are listed on the Governor's website under Interpretive Guidance.

 

6. I am being required to go to work, but feel that it is unsafe or unsanitary. Can my employer force me to work in these conditions?

Please look at our employee FAQs here​.

 

7.   I want to report a business that is staying open and shouldn't be. Where do I file my complaint?

You should first review the types of businesses that are considered “essential" on the Governor's website under Interpretive Guidance. If the business is not on the list, you should call the Maryland State Police or your local police precinct's non-emergency number and be ready to provide them with the name and address of the business.

8.  I'm worried about falling behind on my mortgage. Can I get the lender to defer payments or set up an alternative payment plan?

You should first contact your lender or servicer directly to let them know your situation. Most have information on their websites that give guidance on what to do. In addition, federal regulators have ordered lenders that issue Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac-backed loans to be more flexible with borrowers.

If you still encounter problems after contacting your lender, please contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (if your lender is a national bank) at 855-411-2372 to file a complaint. If your lender is a state or local bank, please contact the Division of Financial Regulation at 410-230-6077.

 

9.  I have a college student who isn't allowed on campus, but I'm still required to pay dorm fees. Can the school do that?

We recommend that you seek guidance from the Maryland Higher Education Commission at 410-767-3301. Some public universities in the State of Maryland are returning prorated fees, including dorm/housing fees.

 

10.  My child's daycare/preschool is closed but is still collecting tuition. Can they do that?

You may wish to first look at the terms of your contract to see if it includes any language about what your responsibility is in a situation like this. If it doesn't say anything and you're not able to resolve the matter with the daycare provider or preschool, you can file a complaint with our Consumer Protection Division; we may be able to mediate with the provider on your behalf.  

To submit a complaint on our website, go to www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov. Click on "File a Consumer Complaint" and choose the General Complaint Form. You can also download a paper complaint form, including instructions for filing, from our website. Alternatively, you may send a letter describing your complaint, along with copies of relevant documentation to: Consumer Protection Division, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202. Instead of mailing, you may fax this information to 410-576-7040. We are unable to accept complaints by email.

11.​   Can I get out of a lease because of the COVID-19 crisis?

Generally, this is not a basis for breaking your lease. However, if there are special circumstances, you may file a complaint with our office and we will mediate to see if we can assist you.

To submit a complaint on our website, go to www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov. Click on "File a Consumer Complaint" and choose the General Complaint Form. You can also download a paper complaint form, including instructions for filing, from our website. Alternatively, you may send a letter describing your complaint, along with copies of relevant documentation to: Consumer Protection Division, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202. Instead of mailing, you may fax this information to 410-576-7040. We are unable to accept complaints by email.

12.   I paid for a trip in advance and now am unable to go. My travel agency is refusing to give me a refund. Can they do that?

You may wish to first look at the terms of your travel agreement to see if it includes any language about what your responsibility is in a situation like this. If it doesn't say anything and you're not able to resolve the matter with the agency, you can file a complaint with our Consumer Protection Division; we may be able to mediate with the travel agency on your behalf. 

To submit a complaint on our website, go to www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov. Click on "File a Consumer Complaint" and choose the General Complaint Form. You can also download a paper complaint form, including instructions for filing, from our website. Alternatively, you may send a letter describing your complaint, along with copies of relevant documentation to: Consumer Protection Division, 200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202. Instead of mailing, you may fax this information to 410-576-7040. We are unable to accept complaints by email.

13.​  Should I still go see my doctor or dentists for routine visits?

You should consult with your healthcare provider. As of May 7, 2020, health care providers and hospitals may resume elective and non-urgent medical procedures and appointments if mandatory protections are in place. Health care providers shall exercise their independent professional judgment in determining what procedures are appropriate to perform, which appointments should occur, and which patients to see in light of widespread COVID-19 community transmission.

If your health care provider resumes practice, your provider must have at least one week's supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for themselves, staff, and as appropriate, for patients; social distancing requirements must be strictly maintained; there must be universal screening for COVID-19 symptoms; and appropriate face coverings must be worn by health care providers and staff. Patients should wear face coverings whenever possible. You should consult with your health care provider to find out whether or not the care you seek may be provided in compliance with the current order. 

Many appointments may continue to take place using telehealth. Rules have been relaxed to allow health care providers to offer telehealth visits instead of in-person visits, and for health insurance carrier reimbursement of those type of visits. You should consult with your insurance carrier about telehealth coverage.​

14.​  I believe I am being charged more than I was before the pandemic for medical services. What can I do?

You can file a complaint with our Health Education and Advocacy Unit. They will investigate your complaint and may be able to mediate with the medical provider on your behalf.

15.  My health insurance is refusing to cover services that I think they should. What can I do?

You can file a complaint with our Health Education and Advocacy Unit. They will investigate your complaint and may be able to mediate your coverage dispute with your HMO or health insurance company.

16.​  I was charged a fee for COVID testing. What can I do?

In most cases you should not have to pay for COVID testing. You can file a complaint with our Health Education and Advocacy Unit if you are billed. They will investigate your complaint, and may be able to mediate your billing or coverage dispute.  ​ 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's website has resources to help protect yourself financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to access these resources. 

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