What is the Debt Collection Improvements Act?
The Debt Collection Improvements Act (31 USC § 3711) applies to debts owed to the federal government. Collection efforts are under the control of the Financial Management Service, a part of the U.S. Department of Treasury. For more on this law and how it applies, see the Department of Treasury web site at www.fms.treas.gov/news/factsheets/index.html. 5. State Laws and Debt Collection Agencies Over half of the states have laws that govern the activities of debt collectors. Some laws provide additional protections not found in the federal law. Attachment A to this guide lists such state laws and provides links to publications about them, www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs27plus.htm. California’s Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (California Civil Code § 1788, et seq.) adds to the federal law in several ways. Unlike the federal law, the California law applies to third-party collectors as well as creditors that collect debts for themselves. California law also gives you added protections against
