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."
Title: Oklahoma 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 Introduction: In this detailed description, we will discuss the importance of properly addressing false representations or implications made by debt collectors in Oklahoma. Specifically, we will focus on situations where debt collectors falsely claim to be vouched for, bonded by, or affiliated with the United States. Keywords: Oklahoma, debt collector, false representation, misleading misrepresentation, collection activities, vouched for, bonded by, affiliated, United States. Types of Oklahoma Letter Informing Debt Collector of False or Misleading Misrepresentations: 1. False Representation of Vouched for by the United States: If a debt collector falsely claims to be "vouched for" by the United States, it means they are misleading the debtor into believing that their operations have been authorized or endorsed by the government. In such cases, an Oklahoma consumer may need to write a letter to address this false representation. 2. False Representation of Being Bonded by the United States: When a debt collector falsely represents themselves as "bonded by" the United States, they are misleading the debtor into thinking that they have obtained a traditional bond, similar to those required for certain professions or businesses. In reality, there is no such bonding relationship between the United States and debt collectors. 3. False Representation of Affiliation with the United States: In instances where debt collectors falsely imply an affiliation with the United States, they are misleading consumers into thinking that they are associated with or working on behalf of a government agency or department. This misrepresentation can be used to intimidate or pressure debtors. Content of the Oklahoma Letter Informing Debt Collector: [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Date] [Debt Collection Agency] [Address] [City, State, ZIP] Subject: Notice of False or Misleading Misrepresentations in Collection Activities Dear [Debt Collection Agency], I am writing to bring to your attention the false or misleading misrepresentations made by your agency during debt collection activities concerning my account [Account Number]. It has come to my attention that your representatives have presented misleading information indicating a false relationship or affiliation with the United States. Such misrepresented claims are in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FD CPA) and caused unnecessary distress. The specific false statements that I would like to address are as follows: 1. False Representation: Vouched for by the United States: On [Date], I received a communication from your agency asserting that you are "vouched for" by the United States. Please be aware that this claim is entirely false and misleading. There is no official endorsement or authorization from any government entity approving your debt collection activities on behalf of the United States. 2. False Representation: Bonded by the United States: During a phone conversation on [Date], your representative claimed that your agency is "bonded by" the United States. It is important to clarify that no bonding relationship exists between debt collection agencies and the United States government. Therefore, this representation is deceptive and misleading. 3. False Representation: Affiliation with the United States: I have reviewed the communications received from your agency and noticed repeated implications that you are affiliated with or functioning on behalf of a government agency or department. Please note that such claims are false, misleading, and a violation of the FD CPA guidelines. I demand an immediate cease to these false representations and any misleading practices associated with them. Failure to comply with this notice will leave me with no other option but to exercise my rights under the FD CPA, including filing a formal complaint with the appropriate regulatory authorities and seeking legal action to protect my rights. Additionally, I kindly request that you provide a written response within 15 calendar days from the receipt of this letter, confirming your compliance and outlining the actions taken to rectify this deceptive behavior. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I trust that appropriate measures will be taken to address and rectify these false and misleading misrepresentations. Yours sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information]
