The statute of limitations also plays a critical role. Each state sets time limits on how long a creditor can sue you for ...

WalletHub collected data from the end of 2025 and ranked the states with the most and least debt collection accounts.

You may have a legal obligation to repay old debts, but there are also strict limits on debt collectors' tactics.

Most business owners who invoice customers for goods or services will encounter the occasional late payment. However, if a customer’s invoice due date has come and gone and you can’t get a firm answer ...

The amount you owe may also be subject to your state's statute of limitations, which typically ranges from three to 10 years, ...

Debt collectors can start contacting you to collect debt once payments are 30 days past due. You shouldn't experience harassment or threats when being contacted for debt collection. If you are, you ...

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Thomas J. Brock is a CFA and CPA with more than 20 years of experience in various areas ...

As unpaid debt balances age, the tone of the collection efforts tends to change, too. The debt collection calls become more ...

Do you get calls from a debt collection agency? Having delinquent debt not only hurts your chances of getting a loan but can also affect how much you pay for insurance, and even your ability to get a ...

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Friday ordered Commonwealth Financial Systems, a debt collection agency specializing in medical debt, to shut down as a result of what CFPB determined were ...

Could your debt be reduced or forgiven? Take our financial relief quiz. Whether you owe it or not, receiving a debt collection notice can conjure up feelings of anxiety, worry and perhaps confusion, ...

Scammers use texts, calls, emails and letters to create a false sense of urgency about debt repayment. Always ask for detailed information about the debt and the debt collector’s contact details to ...