You are correct. The scope of the False Claims Act (FCA) is indeed considerably broader than that of the False Statements Act.
The False Claims Act primarily deals with cases involving fraudulent claims for payment or reimbursement made to the federal government. It is often used to combat fraud in government contracts, healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and other government-funded activities. It allows individuals (whistleblowers) to file lawsuits on behalf of the government to recover funds obtained through fraudulent means, and it can result in significant penalties and damages for those found guilty of making false claims.
On the other hand, the False Statements Act primarily focuses on false statements, false writings, or fraudulent documents made to federal agencies or their representatives. While it can apply to a wide range of contexts, its scope is narrower compared to the FCA, which is specifically designed to address fraudulent claims for government funds.
In summary, the False Claims Act has a broader scope as it encompasses a wider range of fraudulent activities related to government funding and is often used to combat fraud on a larger scale.