Consumer Experiences with Debt Collection: Findings from the CFPB's Survey on Consumer Views on Debt

Abstract

This report presents the results of the Survey of Consumer Views on Debt which was conducted by the CFPB between December 2014 and March 2015. The survey results substantially expand the understanding of debt collection in the United States by providing the first comprehensive and nationally representative data on consumers’ experiences and preferences related to debt collection.

The survey asked consumers about their experiences, if any, with debt collectors over the past year. For consumers who had such an experience, the survey captured detail on the debt for which they were most recently contacted. In addition, the survey collected data on disputes and lawsuits, preferences for communications with a creditor or collector, and each consumer’s demographic characteristics, general financial situation, and credit-market experiences.