In this post, we will discuss some of the practices specifically prohibited by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”). In the last post, we listed some of the specific types of harassment or abuse prohibited by the FDCPA. Another section of the FDCPA prohibits debt collectors from using false and misleading statements when attempting to collect a debt. This section specifically prohibits a debt collector from the following:
- 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.
- The false representation of the character, amount, or legal status of any debt; any services rendered or compensation which may be lawfully received by any debt collector for the collection of a debt.
- The false representation or implication that any individual is an attorney or that any communication is from an attorney.
- The representation or implication that nonpayment of any debt will result in the arrest or imprisonment of any person or the seizure, garnishment, attachment, or sale of any property or wages of any person unless such action is lawful and the debt collector or creditor intends to take such action.
- The threat to take any action that cannot legally be taken or that is not intended to be taken.
- The false representation or implication that a sale, referral, or other transfer of any interest in a debt shall cause the consumer to lose any claim or defense to payment of the debt or become subject to any practice prohibited by this title (i.e.the debt collector may now be able to engage is actions otherwise prohibited by the FDCPA if the debt is transferred to another person or company).
- The false representation or implication that the consumer committed any crime or other conduct in order to disgrace the consumer.
- Communicating or threatening to communicate to any person credit information which is known or which should be known to be false, including the failure to communicate that a disputed debt is disputed.
- The use or distribution of any written communication which simulates or is falsely represented to be a document authorized, issued, or approved by any court, official, or agency of the United States or any State, or which creates a false impression as to its source, authorization, or approval.
- The use of any false representation or deceptive means to collect or attempt to collect any debt or to obtain information concerning a consumer.
- The failure to disclose in the initial written communication with the consumer and, in addition, if the initial communication with the consumer is oral, in that initial oral communication, that the debt collector is attempting to collect a debt and that any information obtained will be used for that purpose, and the failure to disclose in subsequent communications that the communication is from a debt collector, except that this paragraph shall not apply to a formal pleading made in connection with a legal action.
- The false representation or implication that accounts have been turned over to innocent purchasers for value.
- The false representation or implication that documents are legal process.
- The use of any business, company, or organization name other than the true name of the debt collector’s business, company, or organization.
- The false representation or implication that documents are not legal process forms or do not require action by the consumer.
- The false representation or implication that a debt collector operates or is employed by a consumer reporting agency.
While this list does not necessarily contain all misrepresentations prohibited by the FDCPA, it does give us a good idea of what can and can not be done by a debt collector. In essence, when a debt collector is dealing with a consumer, the debt collector must treat the consumer with honesty and respect. Threats, misrepresentations, and outright lies are all prohibited. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. If you are being pursued by a debt collector and have concerns over the tactics being used, please consult an attorney familiar with the FDCPA to determine your rights.