Debt collectors, also known as collection agents, are employed by creditors or debt collection agencies to recover past due accounts. Debt collectors must act in accordance with the laws and regulations of their locality, and failure to do so can result in serious penalties for the debt collection agency or individual collector.

The primary responsibility of debt collectors is to contact debtors and attempt to collect payment of outstanding balances. Collectors use various techniques to solicit payment, including making phone calls, sending letters, and even visiting the debtor in person. Collectors may also help creditors to obtain legal judgments against debtors, which allows them to add interest and other fees as part of their collection efforts.

Debt collectors also assess the financial circumstances of debtors in order to determine an appropriate repayment plan. Collectors further help creditors to determine which of their delinquent accounts are worth pursuing and which ones can be written off.

When all else fails, debt collectors may resort to debt collections, a process whereby the debt is turned over to a third party, who may then take the debtor to court if necessary. The debtor is presented with a notice debt collection and given a period of time to submit payment. In addition, debt collectors may also work with credit bureaus to have negative information removed from credit reports or negotiate a payment plan where only a portion of the outstanding debt is paid.

Due to the legalities surrounding debt collection, collectors must be knowledgeable about consumer protection laws in their country and state. In addition, many debt collectors must also be licensed by their state to ensure that collectors are educated about consumer rights.

It's important to note that debt collectors are required to provide debtors with certain protections, such as the right to dispute a debt and obtain verification of the debt. These protections are meant to ensure that consumers are treated fairly during debt collection proceedings. Consumers are also protected from harassment, which includes repeated phone calls, threats, and lies about their debt.

Debt collectors play an important role in helping creditors to recover past due debts. However, it is important for consumers to be aware of their rights when dealing with debt collectors in order to protect themselves from potential harassment or abuse.