By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Americans are filing debt collection complaints at a record pace, with new federal data showing a sharp rise in reports of harassment, suspicious collection practices, and disputed debts.
According to data released July 8 by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers submitted more than 471,000 debt collection complaints in 2025—more than double the number reported the previous year. Metro Atlanta recorded the nation’s highest complaint rate among major metropolitan areas, while Georgia ranked first among all states on a per-capita basis.
Nearly half of all complaints alleged abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior by debt collectors. However, researchers noted that many reports involved suspected scammers posing as legitimate collection agencies, while others came from consumers who disputed owing the debt altogether.
After Georgia, Texas, Florida, and Louisiana recorded the highest complaint rates when adjusted for population. Dallas, Houston, Miami, Memphis, and Atlanta ranked among the metropolitan areas with the greatest number of complaints.
Adults between 30 and 39 years old filed the largest share of complaints, followed by consumers ages 40 to 49 and 20 to 29. Researchers said many people in these age groups are juggling mortgages, student loans, vehicle payments, and credit card debt, making them more vulnerable to collection activity.
Consumer advocates recommend requesting written verification before paying any debt, avoiding the disclosure of personal or banking information until a debt has been confirmed, understanding protections under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and reporting abusive or suspicious collection practices to the FTC.
As household debt continues to rise, experts say knowing your rights may be one of the best defenses against both aggressive collectors and financial scams.