Section 807 of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act - Section 807
807. False or misleading representations [15 USC 1692e]
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.
(2) The false representation of --
(A) the character, amount, or legal status of any debt; or
(B) any services rendered or compensation which may be lawfully received by any
debt collector for the collection of a debt.
(3) The false representation or implication that any individual is an attorney
or that any communication is from an attorney.
(4) 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.
(5) The threat to take any action that cannot legally be taken or that is not
intended to be taken.
(6) The false representation or implication that a sale, referral, or other
transfer of any interest in a debt shall cause the consumer to --
(A) lose any claim or defense to payment of the debt; or
(B) become subject to any practice prohibited by this title.
(7) The false representation or implication that the consumer committed any
crime or other conduct in order to disgrace the consumer.
(8) 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.
(9) 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.
(10) The use of any false representation or deceptive means to collect or
attempt to collect any debt or to obtain information concerning a consumer.
(11) 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.
(12) The false representation or implication that accounts have been turned over
to innocent purchasers for value.
(13) The false representation or implication that documents are legal process.
(14) The use of any business, company, or organization name other than the true
name of the debt collector's business, company, or organization.
(15) The false representation or implication that documents are not legal
process forms or do not require action by the consumer.
(16) The false representation or implication that a debt collector operates or
is employed by a consumer reporting agency as defined by section 603(f) of this
Act.
