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."
Arkansas 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 Title: Exposing Deceptive Debt Collection Practices by Impersonating Government Affiliation — Arkansas Letter Template [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Debt Collector's Name] [Debt Collector's Address] [City, State, ZIP] Subject: Re: False Representation or Implication of Affiliation with the United States Dear [Debt Collector's Name], I am writing to address a matter of utmost concern regarding the recent collection activities pursued by your agency in relation to an alleged debt with [Original Creditor's Name]. As an informed consumer residing in the state of Arkansas, I have identified deceptive practices being employed, which involve falsely representing or implying that your collection agency is vouched for, bonded by, or affiliated with the United States. It has come to my attention that your agency has engaged in misleading misrepresentations that may violate the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FD CPA), specifically 15 U.S.C. § 1692e. This section explicitly prohibits debt collectors from employing false, deceptive, or misleading tactics during their collection activities. Under this provision, falsely vouching for, implying bonding by, or falsely claiming affiliation with the United States would be deemed as a deceptive practice. Arkansas' residents, like myself, are protected by both federal and state laws that aim to ensure fair debt collection practices. In accordance with these laws, I demand that you immediately cease all false representations or implications suggesting any affiliation or endorsement by the United States in connection to the debt you are attempting to collect. Furthermore, I urge you to provide written confirmation, within 30 days of receiving this letter, that you have ceased and will refrain from future use of false representations or implications. Failure to adhere to these demands will leave me with no choice but to pursue legal remedies available to me under the FD CPA and applicable state laws. Please take this matter seriously and understand that continued misrepresentation or deceptive practices will not be tolerated. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, I am open to a meaningful discussion to resolve the issue promptly. I look forward to receiving your written response addressing this matter and confirming your compliance with the demands outlined above. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]
