{"code":"CIV","codeName":"Civil Code","section":"1788.16","citation":"Civ. Code, § 1788.16","status":"in-force","lawOn":"2026-09-28","headings":[{"name":"DIVISION 3. OBLIGATIONS [1427. - 3273.91.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/civil-code/division-3"},{"name":"PART 4. OBLIGATIONS ARISING FROM PARTICULAR TRANSACTIONS [1738. - 3273.91.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/civil-code/division-3/part-4"},{"name":"TITLE 1.6C. FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES [1788. - 1788.33.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/civil-code/division-3/part-4/title-1.6c"},{"name":"ARTICLE 2. Debt Collector Responsibilities [1788.10. - 1788.185.]","url":"https://blackletter.si/civil-code/division-3/part-4/title-1.6c/article-2"}],"history":"Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 522, Sec. 10.   (SB 1286)   Effective January 1, 2025.","effective":"2025-01-01","html":"<p>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.</p>","text":"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.","otherVersions":[],"url":"https://blackletter.si/civil-code/debt-collector-responsibilities-1788-16","source":"California Legislative Information bulk export (pubinfo)"}