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: Puerto Rico Debt Collection Letter: Exposing False Affiliation with the United States Introduction: The following letter is a formal communication addressed to a debt collector operating in Puerto Rico, where false or misleading representations of affiliation with the United States are observed. This letter aims to inform the debt collector about their misleading actions and provide a clear understanding of the consequences associated with such misrepresentations. By highlighting the keywords of false representation or implication, vouched for, bonded by, and affiliated with the United States, we shed light on the specific aspects of the debt collector's actions that are incorrect or deceptive. [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Date] [Debt Collector's Name] [Debt Collector's Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Subject: False Affiliation with the United States — Debt Collection Activities Dear [Debt Collector's Name], I hope this letter reaches you in good health. I am writing on behalf of [Your Name] to bring to your attention a matter of significant concern related to your debt collection activities in Puerto Rico. It has come to our attention that you have been making false or misleading representations, specifically by falsely implying your vouched for, bonded by, or affiliated with the United States. This improper association may mislead consumers, leading to confusion and potential harm. As per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FD CPA), debt collectors are legally obligated to provide accurate, honest, and non-deceptive representations to individuals they are attempting to collect debts from. Section 807 of the FD CPA prohibits the use of any false, deceptive, or misleading representations or means in the collection process. Therefore, claiming affiliation with the United States, unless explicitly true and verifiable, is a violation of this act. It is essential to note that Puerto Rico operates as a self-governing territory of the United States and does not hold full U.S. statehood. Consequently, representing a connection that indicates direct affiliation with the United States is both inaccurate and misleading to consumers residing in Puerto Rico. False representations regarding affiliation can have severe consequences, including potential legal ramifications and damage to your reputation. Consumers may be misled to believe that your collections activities are backed, endorsed, or managed by the United States government, thereby leading to unintended consequences such as unnecessary financial distress or incorrect assumptions about legal obligations. To rectify this matter, we kindly request that you immediately cease any and all false or misleading representations that falsely imply affiliation with the United States. It is crucial to ensure transparency and integrity in debt collection practices, respecting the rights of consumers as guaranteed by the FD CPA. Please be advised that failure to address this matter appropriately may result in the affected individuals exploring legal recourse and reporting the offending company to relevant regulatory bodies. Reputation damage and potential penalties can be avoided by promptly rectifying and refraining from any future misleading statements or implications. Should you require any clarification or additional information regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or via email at [Your Email Address]. We sincerely hope that you will take immediate action to address this issue and reaffirm your commitment to accurate and honest debt collection practices in Puerto Rico. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name]
