FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT VIOLATION DEMAND LETTER
ALABAMA
SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
AND FIRST-CLASS MAIL
[DATE]
[DEBT COLLECTOR NAME]
[DEBT COLLECTOR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
Re: FDCPA Violation Demand - Alabama Consumer
Consumer: [CONSUMER FULL NAME]
Account/Reference Number: [ACCOUNT NUMBER IF KNOWN]
Alleged Creditor: [ORIGINAL CREDITOR NAME]
Dear Sir or Madam:
This law firm represents [CONSUMER FULL NAME] ("Consumer" or "Client"), a resident of Alabama, in connection with your collection activities regarding the above-referenced account. Please direct all future communications regarding this matter to our office and cease all direct contact with our Client.
I. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY OF VIOLATIONS
This letter constitutes formal notice that your collection activities have violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA"), 15 U.S.C. Section 1692 et seq., as well as the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Ala. Code Section 8-19-1 et seq. Based on our investigation and the evidence in our possession, we have identified the following violations:
Federal FDCPA Violations:
☐ Failure to provide required debt validation notice (15 U.S.C. Section 1692g)
☐ False, deceptive, or misleading representations (15 U.S.C. Section 1692e)
☐ Unfair or unconscionable practices (15 U.S.C. Section 1692f)
☐ Harassment or abuse (15 U.S.C. Section 1692d)
☐ Communication with third parties in violation of 15 U.S.C. Section 1692c(b)
☐ Continued collection after validation request without validation (15 U.S.C. Section 1692g(b))
☐ False threats of legal action (15 U.S.C. Section 1692e(5))
☐ Misrepresentation of amount owed (15 U.S.C. Section 1692e(2)(A))
☐ Collection of unauthorized amounts (15 U.S.C. Section 1692f(1))
Alabama State Law Violations:
☐ Deceptive trade practices under Ala. Code Section 8-19-5
☐ Unconscionable conduct in consumer transactions
☐ False or misleading representations to Alabama consumers
II. STATEMENT OF FACTS
[DETAILED FACTUAL NARRATIVE - Include dates, times, nature of communications, specific statements made, witnesses present, and all relevant circumstances.]
A. Background
On or about [DATE], [DEBT COLLECTOR NAME] initiated collection activity against our Client, an Alabama resident, regarding an alleged debt purportedly owed to [ORIGINAL CREDITOR NAME] in the alleged amount of $[AMOUNT].
B. Specific Violative Conduct
[Describe each violation with specificity, including dates, witnesses, and evidence]
III. LEGAL ANALYSIS
A. Federal FDCPA Claims
The FDCPA applies to "debt collectors" who regularly collect debts owed to others. 15 U.S.C. Section 1692a(6). Your company qualifies as a debt collector under the Act.
[Detail specific FDCPA violations as applicable]
B. Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act Claims
The Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Ala. Code Section 8-19-5, prohibits various deceptive and unconscionable practices in consumer transactions. While Alabama does not have a comprehensive "mini-FDCPA," the DTPA applies to debt collection activities that constitute deceptive trade practices.
Under Ala. Code Section 8-19-5, it is unlawful to engage in:
- Deceptive representations in connection with consumer transactions
- Unconscionable conduct
- False or misleading statements of fact
Your conduct violated the Alabama DTPA because:
[SPECIFY VIOLATIVE CONDUCT]
C. Alabama Consumer Protection Considerations
Alabama courts recognize that debt collection activities may give rise to claims under:
- Common law fraud
- Invasion of privacy
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Negligence
These claims supplement available federal remedies.
IV. DAMAGES
A. FDCPA Damages
Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 1692k, our Client is entitled to:
- Actual Damages: Including emotional distress, anxiety, embarrassment, and out-of-pocket expenses
- Statutory Damages: Up to $1,000 per action
- Attorney's Fees and Costs: Mandatory for prevailing consumers
B. Alabama DTPA Damages
Under Ala. Code Section 8-19-10, our Client may recover:
- Actual Damages: All damages proximately caused by the deceptive practice
- Punitive Damages: Where the defendant acted with reckless disregard
- Reasonable Attorney's Fees: At the court's discretion
- Court Costs
C. Total Damages Summary
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| FDCPA Statutory Damages | Up to $1,000 |
| Actual Damages | $[AMOUNT] |
| Alabama DTPA Damages | $[AMOUNT] |
| Attorney's Fees to Date | $[AMOUNT] |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED | $[AMOUNT] |
V. PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE
You are hereby placed on notice to preserve all documents, recordings, and electronically stored information related to our Client and your Alabama collection operations.
VI. DEMAND FOR SETTLEMENT
To resolve this matter without litigation, we demand:
- Monetary Compensation: Payment of $[SETTLEMENT DEMAND] within thirty (30) days
- Deletion of Tradeline: Immediate deletion of any tradeline from credit reports
- Cease Collection Activity: Immediate cessation of all collection activity
- Account Closure: Permanent closure of the account
- Written Confirmation: Written confirmation of compliance within fourteen (14) days
VII. RESPONSE DEADLINE
Please respond to this demand in writing within thirty (30) days. If we do not receive a satisfactory response, we will file suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Middle District of Alabama, or Southern District of Alabama, or in the appropriate Alabama state court, without further notice.
VIII. ALABAMA VENUE AND JURISDICTION
Claims may be brought in:
- United States District Court for the Northern, Middle, or Southern District of Alabama
- Alabama Circuit Court in the county where our Client resides or where the violation occurred
- Small Claims Court for claims within jurisdictional limits
IX. CONCLUSION
All rights reserved. This letter is written without prejudice to any rights or remedies available to our Client under federal or Alabama state law.
Respectfully submitted,
[LAW FIRM NAME]
By: _________________________________
[ATTORNEY NAME]
[ALABAMA BAR NUMBER]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[TELEPHONE]
[EMAIL]
Attorneys for [CONSUMER FULL NAME]
ENCLOSURES:
☐ Evidence of violations
☐ Authorization to represent
☐ Proof of damages
cc: [CONSUMER NAME]
[CLIENT FILE]
ALABAMA-SPECIFIC REFERENCE
| Element | Alabama Law |
|---|---|
| State Consumer Protection Statute | Ala. Code Section 8-19-1 et seq. (DTPA) |
| Mini-FDCPA | None - use DTPA for state claims |
| Statute of Limitations | 1 year (DTPA); FDCPA 1 year from violation |
| Private Right of Action | Yes under DTPA and FDCPA |
| State Enforcement | Alabama Attorney General |
| Additional Penalties | Punitive damages available under DTPA |
| Licensing Required | Alabama does not license debt collectors at state level |
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult with an Alabama-licensed attorney before use.