It is unlawful, with respect to attempted collection of a covered debt, for a debt collector, creditor, or an attorney to send a communication that simulates legal or judicial process or that gives the appearance of being authorized, issued, or approved by a governmental agency or attorney when it is not. Any violation of the provisions of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, or by a fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) or by both.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1788.16
Debt Collector Responsibilities
Known as the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act
The act spans §§ 1788–1788 (22 sections).
Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 522, Sec. 10
Official source: California Legislative Information. Reproduced from public-domain California statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.