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."
Iowa 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 Subject: Cease and Desist Notice Regarding False Representations of United States Affiliation [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Date] [Debt Collection Agency Name] [Contact Person's Name] [Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Debt Collection Agency], Re: Cease and Desist Notice — False Representations of United States Affiliation I am writing in response to recent communication received from your agency regarding a debt collection matter pertaining to my name. While I understand the importance of addressing outstanding debts, I am deeply concerned about the false representation or implication that your agency is vouched for, bonded by, or affiliated with the United States government. Your correspondence, dated [date], explicitly suggests that your collection activities are backed by the United States government, thereby misleading and confusing recipients, including myself. This misrepresentation is a violation of consumer protection laws and deceptive practices regulations established by the State of Iowa. As a knowledgeable consumer, I am well aware of the legitimate and regulated debt collection industry practices. Furthermore, I have conducted thorough research and can confirm that your agency has no formal bonds, affiliations, or endorsements from any government entity, including the United States government. It is crucial to clarify and correct any such misleading representations to avoid any future legal consequences. Therefore, I demand that your agency immediately cease and desist any further use of false representations or implications that suggest a United States government affiliation, endorsement, or bonding. Additionally, I request a written response from your agency within 14 days from the receipt of this letter, assuring me that: 1. All future communications will strictly adhere to state and federal laws, refraining from any false or misleading representations related to a United States government affiliation. 2. Any derogatory information resulting from falsely implying your agency's affiliation with the United States government shall be immediately removed from my credit reports. 3. A complete record of all communication, including call recordings and written correspondences, related to my account will be retained in your possession for a period of not less than five years. Failure to comply with this cease and desist notice, along with other applicable laws, may result in further legal actions against your agency, including reporting such violations to the appropriate regulatory authorities. Please consider this letter as an opportunity to rectify any potential harm caused by these false representations. I trust that you will act promptly and responsibly to resolve this matter. I eagerly await your written response by [response deadline]. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name]Iowa 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 Subject: Cease and Desist Notice Regarding False Representations of United States Affiliation [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Date] [Debt Collection Agency Name] [Contact Person's Name] [Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Dear [Debt Collection Agency], Re: Cease and Desist Notice — False Representations of United States Affiliation I am writing in response to recent communication received from your agency regarding a debt collection matter pertaining to my name. While I understand the importance of addressing outstanding debts, I am deeply concerned about the false representation or implication that your agency is vouched for, bonded by, or affiliated with the United States government. Your correspondence, dated [date], explicitly suggests that your collection activities are backed by the United States government, thereby misleading and confusing recipients, including myself. This misrepresentation is a violation of consumer protection laws and deceptive practices regulations established by the State of Iowa. As a knowledgeable consumer, I am well aware of the legitimate and regulated debt collection industry practices. Furthermore, I have conducted thorough research and can confirm that your agency has no formal bonds, affiliations, or endorsements from any government entity, including the United States government. It is crucial to clarify and correct any such misleading representations to avoid any future legal consequences. Therefore, I demand that your agency immediately cease and desist any further use of false representations or implications that suggest a United States government affiliation, endorsement, or bonding. Additionally, I request a written response from your agency within 14 days from the receipt of this letter, assuring me that: 1. All future communications will strictly adhere to state and federal laws, refraining from any false or misleading representations related to a United States government affiliation. 2. Any derogatory information resulting from falsely implying your agency's affiliation with the United States government shall be immediately removed from my credit reports. 3. A complete record of all communication, including call recordings and written correspondences, related to my account will be retained in your possession for a period of not less than five years. Failure to comply with this cease and desist notice, along with other applicable laws, may result in further legal actions against your agency, including reporting such violations to the appropriate regulatory authorities. Please consider this letter as an opportunity to rectify any potential harm caused by these false representations. I trust that you will act promptly and responsibly to resolve this matter. I eagerly await your written response by [response deadline]. Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Name]
