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."
Title: Pennsylvania Letter Exposing False Debt Collector Claims of US Affiliation — Protecting Consumer Rights Introduction: In Pennsylvania, individuals have the right to challenge deceptive collection practices carried out by debt collectors. This letter serves as a tool to inform debt collectors of their false or misleading misrepresentations, particularly those pertaining to their association with the United States government. It is crucial to highlight the illegitimacy of any claims by debt collectors that imply they are vouched for, bonded by, or affiliated with the United States. Such practices mislead consumers and violate their rights. Below, you will find a detailed letter that can be customized to address specific scenarios involving false representation or implication of US affiliation. [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Date] [Debt Collector's Name] [Debt Collector's Address] [City, State, ZIP] Subject: False Representation of Affiliation with the United States Government — Immediate Resolution Requested Dear [Debt Collector's Name], I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of utmost concern regarding your collection activities, specifically pertaining to false representations or implications of your affiliation with and endorsement by the United States government. As a resident of Pennsylvania, I am well-acquainted with the laws and regulations that safeguard consumer rights against misleading practices. Upon reviewing the collection notices and communications received from your agency, I was alarmed to discover alarming statements that suggest your organization is vouched for, bonded by, or in some way affiliated with the United States government. These false claims, intentional or not, are both misleading and deceptive, and may lead consumers to make decisions based on inaccurate or misrepresented information. The following are examples of the misleading statements found in your communications: 1. [Include specific instances of false claims made by the debt collector, citing dates, letter references, or enclosed copies for clarity.] I must emphasize that these false representations result in unjust implications and may harm my rights as a consumer under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FD CPA), as well as other applicable state and federal laws. As a responsible citizen, I believe it is in both of our interests to rectify this matter promptly to avoid any potential legal repercussions. I kindly request the following actions to be taken within [reasonable timeframe, e.g., 15 calendar days] from the receipt of this letter: 1. A written response acknowledging the receipt of this letter and confirmation of your understanding of the issue at hand. 2. Immediate cessation of all false or misleading representations that suggest an affiliation, endorsement, or bonding with the United States government. 3. A written commitment ensuring that all future communications shall conform to the highest ethical standards and faithfully adhere to consumer protection laws. 4. An assurance that you will take necessary steps to train your staff to prevent similar misleading representations in the future. Please consider this letter as a formal notice of your deceptive collection practices and a demand for immediate corrective measures. Be advised that failure to address this issue swiftly may warrant further legal action. I trust that you will handle this matter responsibly and in the best interest of both parties involved. I look forward to receiving your timely response and the rectification of this matter. Thank you for your attention to this serious concern. Sincerely, [Your Name]
