: Activist groups like the Debt Collective have "hacked" this market by buying up portfolios of medical, student, or credit card debt and simply canceling it rather than collecting.

: Debt buyers may purchase a portfolio of debt for as little as 4 cents per dollar owed. If they collect even 10% of the total balance, they can realize a substantial profit.

: As of late 2025, approximately 32% of Americans with credit card debt owe $10,000 or more, with the national average sitting near $8,000.

: Beyond individual debt, domestic private investors—including retirement accounts—control roughly 42-50% of the $38 trillion U.S. national debt as of early 2026. 4. Consumer Protections and Rules