--- kind: "section" citation: "15 U.S.C. § 1692e" title: "15" title_heading: "Commerce and Trade" number: "1692e" heading: "False or misleading representations" release: "119-102" date: "2026-07-12" url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/15/1692e" units: - "Chapter 41 — Consumer Credit Protection" - "Subchapter V — Debt Collection Practices" --- # §1692e. False or misleading representations A [debt collector](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=6) 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 of the foregoing, the following conduct is a violation of this section: - (1) The false representation or implication that the [debt collector](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=6) 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 collector](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=6) 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 collector](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=6) 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 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 collector](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=6) 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 collector](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=6), 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 collector](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=6)’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 collector](/usc/15/1692a.md?p=6) 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). ## Source credit (Pub. L. 90–321, title VIII, § 807, as added Pub. L. 95–109, Sept. 20, 1977, 91 Stat. 877; amended Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title II, § 2305(a), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–425.) ## Notes ### Editorial Notes ### Amendments 1996—Par. (11). Pub. L. 104–208 amended par. (11) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (11) read as follows: “Except as otherwise provided for communications to acquire location information under section 1692b of this title, the failure to disclose clearly in all communications made to collect a debt or to obtain information about a consumer, that the debt collector is attempting to collect a debt and that any information obtained will be used for that purpose.” ### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries ### Effective Date of 1996 Amendment Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title II, § 2305(b), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–425, provided that: “The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1996] and shall apply to all communications made after that date of enactment.” ### Effective Date Section effective upon the expiration of six months after Sept. 20, 1977, see section 819 of Pub. L. 90–321, as added by Pub. L. 95–109, set out as a note under section 1692 of this title.