The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act is a federal law that gives many protections to consumers. While the law has broad sweeping effect across the nation, states and municipalities are allowed to enact even stronger protections.

In response to a 70 percent increase in consumer complaints in two years, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs held information gathering hearings, and may propose tighter restrictions on debt collecting agencies.

"People ought to pay their debts," Jonathan B. Mintz, the city commissioner of consumer affairs, said during a break in the five-hour hearing. "But when debt-collection companies cross the line, which unfortunately they appear to be doing in an increasing way, then something has to change."

Read more about it in the New York Times.