by: Michael Saunders

False or Misleading Representations: Collection agencies are prohibited from making false or misleading representations to consumers in the course of trying to secure debt repayment. Some violations of the-law in this area include:

1. Falsely stating or implying that the debt collector is bonded by, or associated with any federal or state government entity.

2. Falsely representing the nature of any debt, the amount owed, the legal status of the account, or compensation paid to the collection agency for recovering the debt.

3. Falsely claiming that the debt collector is an attorney or represents an attorney.

4. Falsely asserting that you will be imprisoned or arrested if you don't pay your bills (debtors' prisons don't exist anymore in this country).

5. Falsely representing that your failure to pay could result in your wages being garnished, your property being seized, or your assets being sold - unless such measures are lawful, and unless the debt collector actually intends to take those actions.

6. Falsely stating such misinformation such as the documents they send to you represent a legal process or that the debt collector works for a credit bureau.

Harrassment: No debt collector is legally allowed to harass, abuse or oppress you – under any circumstances whatsoever. Any of the' following tactics are violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act:  (continued...)
Rights When Dealing With Debt Collectors (Part 2)
  Page 2