A false representation is one that is made regarding a material fact, when there is prior knowledge that the fact in question is inaccurate. It can also be described as a crime of giving out false information in order to gain something, such as money, from someone. Making false representations is illegal.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act was adopted to help prevent creditors from making false representations to debtors in order to get money from them. An example of this would be threatening to initiate a lawsuit against you when there is no intention of filing one. Another would be a caller lying and saying he is a lawyer or law enforcement officer in order to try and get you to pay.
How Does the FDCPA Relate to False Representation?
The FDCPA protects consumers from false representations made by creditors in an attempt to collect a debt. Under the FDCPA, debt collectors are not allowed to lie about what company they represent. They cannot pretend to be someone they are not. For example, it’s illegal for a third-party debt collector to say he’s a police officer, or representing an original creditor. If you feel you have been lied to, you may be able to get help from an attorney.
How Can an Attorney Help?
An FDCPA attorney may be able to help you if you feel like debt collectors have made false representations to you. A lawyer can help you verify your debts and negotiate with your creditors on your behalf. Contact an attorney if you feel like a creditor has made false representations to you in order to try and collect funds from you.