Debt Collection

Debt collection is the process of pursuing payment from individuals or businesses that are delinquent on their debts. Debt collectors are companies or individuals that are hired by creditors to recover unpaid debts. Continue Reading Below

Content Types

Related Topics

Encyclopedia Articles

Discover the definition of financial terms related to debt collection.

Debt Collection Agency: How They Work, Your Rights, and What to Do

Andrew Latham

Deed of Trust: What It Is, How It Differs from a Mortgage, and How Foreclosure Works

Andrew Latham

The Judicial Foreclosure Process: Understanding, Timelines, and Considerations

Abi Bus

Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure Explained: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Silas Bamigbola

What is Preforeclosure and How Does It Work?

Bryce Sanders

Notice of Default: Definition, Process, and Consequences

Rasana Panibe

What is Mortgage Default? Everything You Need to Know

Emily Africa

What Is a Sheriff's Sale? When It's Used, Process, and Proceeds

SuperMoney Team

What Is Foreclosure? Definition, Process, and Credit Impact

Andrew Latham

Power of Sale: Understanding, Implications, and Practical Examples

Silas Bamigbola

Page 1 of 10

1 2 3 4 5 Next

Learn About Debt Collection

Statute of Limitations on Debt in New Mexico (2026): The 4-Year Rule

Andrew Latham

Statute of Limitations on Debt in Idaho (2026): The 5-Year Rule

Andrew Latham

Statute of Limitations on Debt in West Virginia (2026): The 5-Year Rule

Andrew Latham

Statute of Limitations on Debt in Hawaii (2026): The 6-Year Rule

Andrew Latham

Statute of Limitations on Debt in New Hampshire (2026): The 3-Year Rule

Andrew Latham

Statute of Limitations on Debt in Montana (2026): The 5-Year Rule

Andrew Latham

Can You Consolidate Debt if It Is in Collections?

Heather Skyler

Should You Hire a Debt Settlement Company or Do It Yourself?

Andrew Latham

Get American Recovery Service Inc. Off Your Credit Report

Silas Bamigbola

Clearing American Profit Recovery from Your Credit Record

Silas Bamigbola

Clear Stoneleigh Recovery Associates from Your Credit Report

Silas Bamigbola

CBJ Credit Recovery: How to Dispute and Remove It

Silas Bamigbola

How to Remove Systematic National Collections (SNC) from Your Report

Silas Bamigbola

Steps to Remove SCA Collections from Your Credit Report

Silas Bamigbola

How to Remove McNeil and Meyers from Your Credit Report

Silas Bamigbola

Legal Risks of a Cash-Out Refinance: Foreclosure, Deficiency & How to Protect Yourself

Andrew Latham

Page 4 of 99

Previous 2 3 4 5 6 Next

About Debt Collection

When a borrower defaults on a loan or fails to pay a bill, the creditor may choose to hire a debt collector to recover the unpaid amount. The debt collector will attempt to contact the borrower and negotiate a payment plan or settlement to repay the debt. If the borrower is unable or unwilling to pay the debt, the debt collector may take legal action to recover the money, such as filing a lawsuit or garnishing the borrower's wages.

Debt collection is a regulated industry, and debt collectors are subject to federal and state laws that protect consumers from abusive or deceptive practices. These laws outline the rights and responsibilities of debt collectors, as well as the rights of borrowers who are being pursued for unpaid debts.

If you are being contacted by a debt collector, it is important to understand your rights and to carefully review any documents or communications from the debt collector to ensure that they are legitimate. If you believe that a debt collector is violating your rights or engaging in illegal practices, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state's attorney general's office.