Debt collection is the process of pursuing payments owed by individuals or businesses for debts they have not paid. This can involve various methods, including phone calls, letters, and sometimes legal action. Debt collectors may work for a collection agency or be part of the original creditor's team. When a debt remains unpaid for a certain period, it may be sold to a collection agency, which then attempts to recover the amount owed. Consumers have rights under laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which protects them from abusive practices during the collection process.