Section 807 of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 USC 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:
"(3) The false representation or implication that any individual is an attorney or that any communication is from an attorney."
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Debt Collection Agency’s Name] [Debt Collection Agency’s Address] [City, State, Zip] Subject: Cease and Desist — False Representation of Attorney Status in Debt Collection Activities Dear [Debt Collection Agency’s Name], I am writing to express my deep concern regarding your recent communication attempts, which falsely represent that you are an attorney or that your communication originates from a legal professional. It has come to my attention that such misleading misrepresentations are not only unethical but also in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FD CPA) and relevant Connecticut state laws. This letter serves as formal notice to cease and desist any false, misleading, or deceptive practices immediately. As a consumer and recipient of your collection activities, I must emphasize that I am well aware of my rights as protected by federal and state laws. The FD CPA explicitly prohibits debt collectors from engaging in any conduct that may give the false impression that they are attorneys or engaging in the practice of law. Additionally, Connecticut law further imposes restrictions on deceptive practices within debt collection activities. Your use of false representation or implication that you are an attorney, or that your communication originates from an attorney, is a clear violation of these regulations. The intention behind such misrepresentation appears to be an effort to intimidate or mislead me into believing that legal action is imminent or that my rights as a debtor are forfeited. These deceptive tactics are unacceptable, and I demand an immediate cessation of such misrepresentations. I hereby request that you provide a written assurance that you will cease all future communication that falsely represents or implies that you are an attorney or that your communication originates from an attorney. I expect this assurance to be provided within 15 days from the receipt of this letter. Furthermore, I demand that all future correspondence accurately and truthfully identifies your role as a debt collector and clearly states that the communication is from a debt collector or collection agency. It is imperative that your future actions align with the provisions outlined in the FD CPA and Connecticut state laws. Please consider this letter as a formal record of my complaint, and please be advised that failure to comply with my requests may result in legal action being taken against your agency. In the event I am forced to pursue legal remedies, I will seek all available remedies, including but not limited to damages, injunctive relief, and attorney fees. I trust that you will treat this matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves, and I look forward to receiving your written confirmation of compliance within the specified time frame. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above-stated address or phone number. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name]
