Federal · Title 15 — Commerce and Trade

15 U.S.C. § 1692e: False or misleading representations

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute defines prohibited false or misleading practices by debt collectors, including misrepresenting government affiliation, legal status, or intent to take legal action, and requiring disclosure that communications are debt-collection attempts.

Read the full statutory text
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. the character, amount, or legal status of any debt; or any services rendered or compensation which may be lawfully received by any debt collector for the collection of a debt. The false representation or implication that any individual is an attorney or that any communication is from an attorney. The representation or implication that nonpayment of any debt will result in the arrest or imprisonment of any person or the seizure, garnishment, attachment, or sale of any property or wages of any person unless such action is lawful and the debt collector or creditor intends to take such action. The threat to take any action that cannot legally be taken or that is not intended to be taken. lose any claim or defense to payment of the debt; or become subject to any practice prohibited by this subchapter. The false representation or implication that the consumer committed any crime or other conduct in order to disgrace the consumer. Communicating or threatening to communicate to any person credit information which is known or which should be known to be false, including the failure to communicate that a disputed debt is disputed. The use or distribution of any written communication which simulates or is falsely represented to be a document authorized, issued, or approved by any court, official, or agency of the United States or any State, or which creates a false impression as to its source, authorization, or approval. The use of any false representation or deceptive means to collect or attempt to collect any debt or to obtain information concerning a consumer. The failure to disclose in the initial written communication with the consumer and, in addition, if the initial communication with the consumer is oral, in that initial oral communication, that the debt collector is attempting to collect a debt and that any information obtained will be used for that purpose, and the failure to disclose in subsequent communications that the communication is from a debt collector, except that this paragraph shall not apply to a formal pleading made in connection with a legal action. The false representation or implication that accounts have been turned over to innocent purchasers for value. The false representation or implication that documents are legal process. The use of any business, company, or organization name other than the true name of the debt collector’s business, company, or organization. The false representation or implication that documents are not legal process forms or do not require action by the consumer. The false representation or implication that a debt collector operates or is employed by a consumer reporting agency as defined by section 1681a(f) of this title .

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.