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."
Virginia Letter Informing Debt Collector of False or Misleading Misrepresentations in Collection Activities — False Representation or Implication that the Debt Collector is an Attorney or that Communication is From an Attorney Dear [Debt Collector's Name], I am writing to express my concern regarding the recent collection activities conducted by your company. It has come to my attention that you have been falsely representing or implying that you are an attorney, or that your communication with me is from an attorney. I would like to inform you that such actions are in violation of the Virginia Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Under the Virginia Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, it is prohibited for debt collectors to falsely represent themselves as attorneys or imply that their communication is from an attorney. The purpose of this legislation is to protect consumers like myself from deceptive or misleading collection practices. I would like to bring to your attention the specific instances where I believe you have falsely represented or implied that you are an attorney or that your communication is from an attorney: 1. [Describe the specific incident(s) where the debt collector falsely represented as an attorney or implied communication from an attorney] I would like to remind you that as a debt collector, it is your responsibility to adhere to the legally established rules and guidelines concerning debt collection practices. Misrepresenting yourself as an attorney or implying that your communication is from an attorney is a serious violation of consumer rights and can result in legal consequences. I demand that you immediately cease any false representation or implication that you are an attorney or that your communication is from an attorney. I expect that all future communication from your company will be clear, truthful, and in compliance with the Virginia Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Furthermore, I request that you provide written confirmation within [mention a reasonable time frame, such as 14 days] that you have taken appropriate actions to rectify the false representation or implication. Failure to do so will leave me with no choice but to pursue legal remedies available to me under the law. I trust that you will handle this matter promptly and effectively. I appreciate your attention to this serious issue and hope that we can resolve it amicably. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip Code]
