---
kind: "range"
citation: "15 U.S.C. §§ 1692a–1692j"
title: "15"
from: "1692a"
to: "1692j"
count: 10
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/15/1692a..1692j"
---

# §1692a. Definitions


As used in this subchapter—

- (1) The term “Bureau” means the Bureau of [Consumer](#3) Financial Protection.
- (2) The term “communication” means the conveying of information regarding a [debt](#5) directly or indirectly to any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) through any medium.
- (3) The term “consumer” means any natural [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) obligated or allegedly obligated to pay any [debt](#5).
- (4) The term “creditor” means any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) who offers or extends [credit](/usc/15/1602.md?p=f) creating a [debt](#5) or to whom a [debt](#5) is owed, but such term does not include any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) to the extent that he receives an assignment or transfer of a [debt](#5) in default solely for the purpose of facilitating collection of such [debt](#5) for another.
- (5) The term “debt” means any obligation or alleged obligation of a [consumer](#3) to pay money arising out of a transaction in which the money, property, insurance, or services which are the subject of the transaction are primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, whether or not such obligation has been reduced to judgment.
- (6) The term “debt collector” means any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) who uses any instrumentality of interstate commerce or the mails in any business the principal purpose of which is the collection of any [debts](#5), or who regularly collects or attempts to collect, directly or indirectly, [debts](#5) owed or due or asserted to be owed or due another. Notwithstanding the exclusion provided by [clause (F)](#6-F) of the last sentence of this paragraph, the term includes any [creditor](#4) who, in the process of collecting his own [debts](#5), uses any name other than his own which would indicate that a third [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) is collecting or attempting to collect such [debts](#5). For the purpose of [section 1692f(6) of this title](/usc/15/1692f.md?p=6), such term also includes any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) who uses any instrumentality of interstate commerce or the mails in any business the principal purpose of which is the enforcement of [security](/usc/15/78lll.md?p=14) interests. The term does not include—
  - (A) any officer or employee of a [creditor](#4) while, in the name of the [creditor](#4), collecting [debts](#5) for such [creditor](#4);
  - (B) any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) while acting as a [debt collector](#6) for another [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e), both of whom are related by common ownership or affiliated by corporate control, if the [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) acting as a [debt collector](#6) does so only for [persons](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) to whom it is so related or affiliated and if the principal business of such [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) is not the collection of [debts](#5);
  - (C) any officer or employee of the United States or any [State](#8) to the extent that collecting or attempting to collect any [debt](#5) is in the performance of his official duties;
  - (D) any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) while serving or attempting to serve legal process on any other [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) in connection with the judicial enforcement of any [debt](#5);
  - (E) any nonprofit [organization](/usc/15/1602.md?p=d) which, at the request of [consumers](#3), performs bona fide [consumer](#3) [credit](/usc/15/1602.md?p=f) counseling and assists [consumers](#3) in the liquidation of their [debts](#5) by receiving payments from such [consumers](#3) and distributing such amounts to [creditors](#4); and
  - (F) any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) collecting or attempting to collect any [debt](#5) owed or due or asserted to be owed or due another to the extent such activity (i) is incidental to a bona fide fiduciary obligation or a bona fide escrow arrangement; (ii) concerns a [debt](#5) which was originated by such [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e); (iii) concerns a [debt](#5) which was not in default at the time it was obtained by such [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e); or (iv) concerns a [debt](#5) obtained by such [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) as a secured party in a commercial [credit](/usc/15/1602.md?p=f) transaction involving the [creditor](#4).
- (7) The term “location information” means a [consumer](#3)’s place of abode and his telephone number at such place, or his place of employment.
- (8) The term “State” means any State, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any political subdivision of any of the foregoing.

# §1692b. Acquisition of location information


Any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector communicating with any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) other than the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) for the purpose of acquiring [location information](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=7) about the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) shall—

- (1) identify himself, [state](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=8) that he is confirming or correcting [location information](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=7) concerning the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3), and, only if expressly requested, identify his employer;
- (2) not [state](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=8) that such [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) owes any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5);
- (3) not communicate with any such [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) more than once unless requested to do so by such [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) or unless the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector reasonably believes that the earlier response of such [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) is erroneous or incomplete and that such [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) now has correct or complete [location information](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=7);
- (4) not communicate by post card;
- (5) not use any language or symbol on any envelope or in the contents of any [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) effected by the mails or telegram that indicates that the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector is in the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collection business or that the [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) relates to the collection of a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5); and
- (6) after the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector knows the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) is represented by an attorney with regard to the subject [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) and has knowledge of, or can readily ascertain, such attorney’s name and address, not communicate with any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) other than that attorney, unless the attorney fails to respond within a reasonable period of time to [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) from the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector.

# §1692c. Communication in connection with debt collection

- (a) **Communication with the consumer generally—** Without the prior consent of the [consumer](#d) given directly to the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector may not communicate with a [consumer](#d) in connection with the collection of any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5)—
  - (1) at any unusual time or place or a time or place known or which should be known to be inconvenient to the [consumer](#d). In the absence of knowledge of circumstances to the contrary, a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector shall assume that the convenient time for communicating with a [consumer](#d) is after 8 o’clock antemeridian and before 9 o’clock postmeridian, local time at the [consumer](#d)’s location;
  - (2) if the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector knows the [consumer](#d) is represented by an attorney with respect to such [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) and has knowledge of, or can readily ascertain, such attorney’s name and address, unless the attorney fails to respond within a reasonable period of time to a [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) from the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector or unless the attorney consents to direct [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) with the [consumer](#d); or
  - (3) at the [consumer](#d)’s place of employment if the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector knows or has reason to know that the [consumer](#d)’s employer prohibits the [consumer](#d) from receiving such [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2).
- (b) **Communication with third parties—** Except as provided in [section 1692b of this title](/usc/15/1692b.md), without the prior consent of the [consumer](#d) given directly to the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector, or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction, or as reasonably necessary to effectuate a postjudgment judicial remedy, a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector may not communicate, in connection with the collection of any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), with any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) other than the [consumer](#d), his attorney, a [consumer reporting agency](/usc/15/1681a.md?p=f) if otherwise permitted by law, the [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4), the attorney of the [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4), or the attorney of the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector.
- (c) **Ceasing communication—** If a [consumer](#d) notifies a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector in writing that the [consumer](#d) refuses to pay a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) or that the [consumer](#d) wishes the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector to cease further [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) with the [consumer](#d), the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector shall not communicate further with the [consumer](#d) with respect to such [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), except—
  - (1) to advise the [consumer](#d) that the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector’s further efforts are being terminated;
  - (2) to notify the [consumer](#d) that the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector or [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4) may invoke specified remedies which are ordinarily invoked by such [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector or [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4); or
  - (3) where applicable, to notify the [consumer](#d) that the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector or [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4) intends to invoke a specified remedy.

  If such notice from the [consumer](#d) is made by mail, notification shall be complete upon receipt.

- (d) **“Consumer” defined—** For the purpose of this section, the term “consumer” includes the consumer’s spouse, parent (if the consumer is a minor), guardian, executor, or [administrator](/usc/15/9001.md?p=1).

# §1692d. Harassment or abuse


A [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector may not engage in any conduct the natural consequence of which is to harass, oppress, or abuse any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) in connection with the collection of a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5). Without limiting the general [application](/usc/15/77ccc.md?p=8) of the foregoing, the following conduct is a [violation](/usc/15/57b–1.md?p=a-7) of this section:

- (1) The use or threat of use of violence or other criminal means to harm the physical [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e), reputation, or property of any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e).
- (2) The use of obscene or profane language or language the natural consequence of which is to abuse the hearer or reader.
- (3) The publication of a list of [consumers](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) who allegedly refuse to pay [debts](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), except to a [consumer reporting agency](/usc/15/1681a.md?p=f) or to [persons](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) meeting the requirements of section [1681a(f)](/usc/15/1681a.md?p=f) or [1681b(3)](/usc/15/1681b.md)[^1] of this title.
- (4) The advertisement for sale of any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) to coerce payment of the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5).
- (5) Causing a telephone to ring or engaging any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) in telephone conversation repeatedly or continuously with intent to annoy, abuse, or harass any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) at the called number.
- (6) Except as provided in [section 1692b of this title](/usc/15/1692b.md), the placement of telephone calls without meaningful disclosure of the caller’s identity.

# §1692e. False or misleading representations


A [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector may not use any false, deceptive, or misleading representation or means in connection with the collection of any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5). Without limiting the general [application](/usc/15/77ccc.md?p=8) of the foregoing, the following conduct is a [violation](/usc/15/57b–1.md?p=a-7) of this section:

- (1) The false representation or implication that the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector is vouched for, bonded by, or affiliated with the United States or any [State](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=8), including the use of any badge, uniform, or facsimile thereof.
- (2) The false representation of—
  - (A) the character, amount, or legal status of any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5); or
  - (B) any services rendered or compensation which may be lawfully received by any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector for the collection of a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5).
- (3) The false representation or implication that any individual is an attorney or that any [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) is from an attorney.
- (4) The representation or implication that nonpayment of any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) will result in the arrest or imprisonment of any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) or the seizure, garnishment, attachment, or sale of any property or wages of any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) unless such action is lawful and the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector or [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4) intends to take such action.
- (5) The threat to take any action that cannot legally be taken or that is not intended to be taken.
- (6) The false representation or implication that a sale, referral, or other transfer of any interest in a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) shall cause the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) to—
  - (A) lose any claim or defense to payment of the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5); or
  - (B) become subject to any practice prohibited by this subchapter.
- (7) The false representation or implication that the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) committed any crime or other conduct in [order](/usc/15/8702.md?p=14) to disgrace the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3).
- (8) Communicating or threatening to communicate to any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) [credit](/usc/15/1602.md?p=f) information which is known or which should be known to be false, including the failure to communicate that a disputed [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) is disputed.
- (9) The use or distribution of any written [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) 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](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=8), or which creates a false impression as to its source, authorization, or approval.
- (10) The use of any false representation or deceptive means to collect or attempt to collect any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) or to obtain information concerning a [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3).
- (11) The failure to disclose in the initial written [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) with the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) and, in addition, if the initial [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) with the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) is oral, in that initial oral [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2), that the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector is attempting to collect a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) and that any information obtained will be used for that purpose, and the failure to disclose in subsequent [communications](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) that the [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) is from a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector, except that this paragraph shall not apply to a formal pleading made in connection with a legal action.
- (12) The false representation or implication that [accounts](/usc/15/1681a.md?p=r-4) have been turned over to innocent purchasers for value.
- (13) The false representation or implication that documents are legal process.
- (14) The use of any business, company, or [organization](/usc/15/1602.md?p=d) name other than the true name of the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector’s business, company, or [organization](/usc/15/1602.md?p=d).
- (15) The false representation or implication that documents are not legal process forms or do not require action by the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3).
- (16) The false representation or implication that a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector operates or is employed by a [consumer reporting agency](/usc/15/1681a.md?p=f) as defined by [section 1681a(f) of this title](/usc/15/1681a.md?p=f).

# §1692f. Unfair practices


A [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector may not use unfair or unconscionable means to collect or attempt to collect any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5). Without limiting the general [application](/usc/15/77ccc.md?p=8) of the foregoing, the following conduct is a [violation](/usc/15/57b–1.md?p=a-7) of this section:

- (1) The collection of any amount (including any interest, fee, charge, or expense incidental to the principal obligation) unless such amount is expressly authorized by the [agreement](/usc/15/7a.md?p=2) creating the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) or permitted by law.
- (2) The acceptance by a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector from any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) of a check or other payment instrument postdated by more than five days unless such [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) is notified in writing of the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector’s intent to deposit such check or instrument not more than ten nor less than three business days prior to such deposit.
- (3) The solicitation by a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector of any postdated check or other postdated payment instrument for the purpose of threatening or instituting criminal prosecution.
- (4) Depositing or threatening to deposit any postdated check or other postdated payment instrument prior to the date on such check or instrument.
- (5) Causing charges to be made to any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) for [communications](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) by concealment of the true purpose of the [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2). Such charges include, but are not limited to, collect telephone calls and telegram fees.
- (6) Taking or threatening to take any nonjudicial action to effect dispossession or disablement of property if—
  - (A) there is no present right to possession of the property claimed as collateral through an enforceable [security](/usc/15/78lll.md?p=14) interest;
  - (B) there is no present intention to take possession of the property; or
  - (C) the property is exempt by law from such dispossession or disablement.
- (7) Communicating with a [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) regarding a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) by post card.
- (8) Using any language or symbol, other than the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector’s address, on any envelope when communicating with a [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) by use of the mails or by telegram, except that a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector may use his business name if such name does not indicate that he is in the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collection business.

# §1692g. Validation of debts

- (a) **Notice of debt; contents—** Within five days after the initial [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) with a [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) in connection with the collection of any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector shall, unless the following information is contained in the initial [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) or the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) has paid the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), send the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) a written notice containing—
  - (1) the amount of the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5);
  - (2) the name of the [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4) to whom the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) is owed;
  - (3) a statement that unless the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3), within thirty days after receipt of the notice, disputes the validity of the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), or any portion thereof, the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) will be assumed to be valid by the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector;
  - (4) a statement that if the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) notifies the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector in writing within the thirty-day period that the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), or any portion thereof, is disputed, the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector will obtain verification of the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) or a copy of a judgment against the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) and a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) by the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector; and
  - (5) a statement that, upon the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3)’s written request within the thirty-day period, the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector will provide the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) with the name and address of the original [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4), if different from the current [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4).
- (b) **Disputed debts—** If the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) notifies the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector in writing within the thirty-day period described in [subsection (a)](#a) that the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), or any portion thereof, is disputed, or that the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) requests the name and address of the original [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4), the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector shall cease collection of the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), or any disputed portion thereof, until the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector obtains verification of the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) or a copy of a judgment, or the name and address of the original [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4), and a copy of such verification or judgment, or name and address of the original [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4), is mailed to the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) by the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector. Collection activities and [communications](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) that do not otherwise violate this subchapter may continue during the 30-day period referred to in [subsection (a)](#a) unless the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) has notified the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector in writing that the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), or any portion of the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), is disputed or that the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) requests the name and address of the original [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4). Any collection activities and [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) during the 30-day period may not overshadow or be inconsistent with the disclosure of the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3)’s right to dispute the [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) or request the name and address of the original [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4).
- (c) **Admission of liability—** The failure of a [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) to dispute the validity of a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) under this section may not be construed by any court as an admission of liability by the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3).
- (d) **Legal pleadings—** A [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) in the form of a formal pleading in a civil action shall not be treated as an initial [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) for purposes of [subsection (a)](#a).
- (e) **Notice provisions—** The sending or delivery of any form or notice which does not relate to the collection of a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) and is expressly required by [title 26](/usc/26.md), title V of Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act [[15 U.S.C. 6801](/usc/15/6801.md) et seq.], or any provision of Federal or [State](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=8) law relating to notice of data [security](/usc/15/78lll.md?p=14) breach or privacy, or any regulation prescribed under any such provision of law, shall not be treated as an initial [communication](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=2) in connection with [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collection for purposes of this section.

# §1692h. Multiple debts


If any [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) owes multiple [debts](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) and makes any single payment to any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector with respect to such [debts](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5), such [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector may not apply such payment to any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) which is disputed by the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) and, where applicable, shall apply such payment in accordance with the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3)’s directions.


# §1692i. Legal actions by debt collectors

- (a) **Venue—** Any [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector who brings any legal action on a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) against any [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) shall—
  - (1) in the case of an action to enforce an interest in real property securing the [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3)’s obligation, bring such action only in a judicial district or similar legal entity in which such real property is located; or
  - (2) in the case of an action not described in [paragraph (1)](#a-1), bring such action only in the judicial district or similar legal entity—
    - (A) in which such [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) signed the contract sued upon; or
    - (B) in which such [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) resides at the commencement of the action.
- (b) **Authorization of actions—** Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to authorize the bringing of legal actions by [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collectors.

# §1692j. Furnishing certain deceptive forms

- (a) It is unlawful to design, compile, and furnish any form knowing that such form would be used to create the false belief in a [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) that a [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) other than the [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4) of such [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) is participating in the collection of or in an attempt to collect a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) such [consumer](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=3) allegedly owes such [creditor](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=4), when in fact such [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) is not so participating.
- (b) Any [person](/usc/15/1602.md?p=e) who violates this section shall be liable to the same extent and in the same manner as a [debt](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=5) collector is liable under [section 1692k of this title](/usc/15/1692k.md) for failure to comply with a provision of this subchapter.