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More Americans fall behind on their debts

Released: 
February 10, 2013

More Americans have overdue debt payments, despite the end of the recession. The average past-due amount is historically high, too.

Despite the recessions end and an improving economy, more Americans are facing debt collectors.

In 2012, 14 percent of Americans owed past-due debt that had been referred to collection agencies. The amount owed averaged $1,546. Compare that to 2003, when 9 percent of Americans owed overdue debt averaging just under $1,000.

More individuals fell behind even though overall household debt is falling nationwide.

See our infographic to see more about who owes what. See What Do Others Say for more on the topic, then add to the discussion below. Are you surprised? Why do you think delinquent debt is going up?