: They buy large portfolios of unpaid debts—often credit cards, medical bills, or personal loans—from banks and original lenders.

: Portfolios are typically purchased for a small fraction of their face value, often ranging from 1 to 10 cents per dollar .

Debt buying companies provide immediate liquidity to original creditors by purchasing delinquent accounts at a deep discount, then attempting to collect the full balance for a profit. Key Business Features

: The buyer becomes the new "creditor of record," assuming all legal rights, benefits, and liabilities associated with the debt contract.