Unsolicited Check Prohibition - Financial Regulation

August 18, 2026

During the 2026 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed Senate Bill 582, which was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore and takes effect October 1, 2026. The new law prohibits the issuance of unsolicited checks or other negotiable instruments in connection with:

• Offers of secured credit where the recipient has not applied for the credit; or
• Unsolicited offers to purchase real property.

A consumer who receives a check or other negotiable instrument in violation of the law is not liable for the amount of the check unless the consumer cashes the check or deposits it. Any person who issues checks or other negotiable instruments in violation of the law is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is subject to a fine of up to $500.

Contact

For any questions regarding this advisory, please contact Assistant Commissioner Clifford Charland, by phone at 410-230-6167 or by email at [email protected].