Debt buyers, specialized debt-collection companies, purchase defaulted consumer debt from creditors such as credit card companies for pennies on the dollar. Debt buyers then attempt to collect the debt, often by suing borrowers in court. State and federal officials should continue to strengthen the rules and laws for debt collection and debt buying to better protect consumers. Debt collectors should be required to possess and review full documentation about a borrower and the borrower’s obligations before pursuing collections or a lawsuit.