A debt collector may not use unfair or unconscionable means to collect or attempt to collect any debt. Without limiting the general application of the foregoing, the following conduct is a violation of this section:
"(5) Causing charges to be made to any person for communications by concealment of the true propose of the communication. Such charges include, but are not limited to, collect telephone calls and telegram fees."
Dear [Debt Collector's Name], I am writing to bring to your attention several unfair practices in your collection activities related to my outstanding debt. Specifically, I have identified instances where you have concealed the true purpose of your communication, causing me to incur unnecessary charges for communications. As a resident of Cuyahoga, Ohio, it is imperative that you rectify these unethical practices to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Firstly, I have noticed that your debt collection agency has been contacting me without explicitly stating the purpose of the communication. These calls or messages typically disguise themselves as urgent matters or inquiries unrelated to debt collection. By concealing the true purpose of these communications, you are intentionally misleading me and causing me to incur unnecessary charges for responding, unaware that they are related to my outstanding debt. Moreover, your failure to clearly disclose the nature of the communication violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FD CPA) and other relevant consumer protection laws. Under the FD CPA, debt collectors must truthfully disclose their identity and the purpose of their communication in every communication with the debtor. By intentionally concealing this information, your actions demonstrate a lack of compliance with the law. As a consumer, I expect transparency and fair treatment from debt collectors, especially regarding the purpose of their communications. Concealing the true nature of your calls or messages not only violates my rights, but it also causes financial harm, as I am unknowingly incurring charges for these communications, unjustifiably increasing the cost of managing my debt. I kindly request that you immediately cease this unfair practice and ensure that all future collection communications clearly and truthfully state their purpose. I expect full compliance with the laws and regulations governing debt collection activities, including those protecting consumers from deceptive practices. Further, instances of concealing the true purpose of communications will be documented and reported to the appropriate regulatory authorities, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Ohio Attorney General's Office. I trust that you will address this matter promptly and take corrective actions to rectify these unfair practices. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter and confirm your commitment to ceasing these deceptive practices within [specific timeframe]. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email Address] --- Keywords: Cuyahoga Ohio, letter informing debt collector, unfair practices, collection activities, concealing true purpose, incurring charges, communications, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FD CPA), consumer protection laws, compliance, transparency, deceptive practices, financial harm, regulatory authorities, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Ohio Attorney General's Office.
