Debt collectors don't always play by the rules. Here's what to watch for and how to protect yourself right now.

When debt collection companies start calling, most people don't know what to do.

The claim: It is illegal for collection agencies to buy debt and 'come after you' if you send a cease-and-desist letter A March 27 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) offers advice for consumers ...

Medical debt regulations are shifting dramatically in 2026, with states banning credit reporting and federal rules in limbo. If you’re a healthcare provider, the old collection playbook might soon ...

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 ...

Finding a financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors that serve your area in minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by ...

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 ...

Key Takeaways Commercial debt collection agencies typically charge contingency fees ranging from 15% to 50% of ...

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Friday it has ordered medical debt collector Commonwealth Financial Systems of Dickson City, Pa., to cease operations and pay a $95,000 penalty for ...

Complaints about debt collection calls rose sharply across the country in 2025, according to new data from the Federal Trade ...

(NewsNation) — American households owe a record $18.4 trillion, and federal data shows complaints about aggressive debt collection have surged over the past year. The Federal Trade Commission logged ...