Section 807 of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 1692e, provides, in part, as follows:
A debt collector may not use any false, deceptive, or misleading representation or means in connection with the collection of any debt. Without limiting the general application of the foregoing, the following conduct is a violation of this section:
"(1) The false representation or implication that the debt collector is vouched for, bonded by, or affiliated with the United States or any State, including the use of any badge, uniform, or facsimile thereof."
Colorado Letter Informing Debt Collector of False or Misleading Misrepresentations in Collection Activities — False Representation or Implication that the Debt Collector is Vouched for, Bonded by, or Affiliated with the United States: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Date] [Debt Collector's Name] [Debt Collector's Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Subject: Cease and Desist False and Misleading Representations Concerning Affiliation with the United States Dear [Debt Collector's Name], I am writing to inform you of false or misleading representations made by your company during debt collection activities regarding an affiliation with the United States government. The purpose of this letter is to formally request that you immediately cease and desist from such misleading practices and provide appropriate documentation to confirm the veracity of your claims. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FD CPA) and Colorado state law, debt collectors are prohibited from making false, deceptive, or misleading representations regarding their affiliation with any governmental entity. It has come to my attention that your company has been falsely representing or implying that you are vouched for, bonded by, or affiliated with the United States government. Please be advised that these false representations mislead and deceive consumers like myself into believing that your collection activities are endorsed, authorized, or sanctioned by the United States government. Such practices are not only in violation of the FD CPA but are also unlawful under Colorado state law. I hereby demand that you provide written confirmation within 15 days of receiving this letter stating that your company: 1. Acknowledges the false or misleading representations made in collection activities. 2. Ceases any future false or misleading representations concerning affiliation with the United States. 3. Provides documentation verifying any claims of affiliation with the United States. Failure to comply with this cease and desist letter will result in my filing a complaint with the appropriate regulatory authorities, including but not limited to the Colorado Attorney General's Office, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Additionally, I reserve the right to take legal action to seek damages and potential statutory penalties as provided for under the FD CPA and Colorado state law. Please consider this letter as my official notice and the beginning of a paper trail should legal action become necessary to protect my rights. All future communications regarding this matter should be in writing and sent to the address provided above. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. I anticipate your compliance with this request and a timely response within the specified period. Sincerely, [Your Name]
