While debt collectors may stop contacting you over time, that doesn't mean the debt disappears. Nora Carol Photography/Getty Images

Americans are carrying more than $1.23 trillion in collective credit card debt as of late 2025, at a time when average credit card APRs also hover above 20%. And, as the interest charges are tacked on at today's rates, the ballooning balances are making it increasingly difficult for a lot of borrowers to keep up with their rising credit card balances. As a result, more borrowers are falling behind on their payments and credit card delinquency rates are climbing .

If you're one of the many to fall behind on your bills recently, you've probably experienced the relentless collection tactics, like calls, letters, texts, lawsuits or even wage ga

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