Editor’s Note: 

Today we are running the ninth segment of the 15-part series on college-student-loan debt.  (Thank you to onlinecolleges.net for putting this together.)

Debt collectors are rewarded for collecting as much of the money owed as possible regardless of the hardship that causes debtors.

Debt collectors aren’t likely to explain ways for borrowers to avoid default or to better manage their debt quite simply because it isn’t in their best interest. Employees of debt collection agencies are offered bonuses, gift cards, and trips for collecting given quotas from borrowers, making it highly unlikely that any of these individuals would suggest methods for lowering the monthly payments owed to the government. What’s worse, some use illegal methods to convince borrowers that a minimum monthly payment is their only option, violating both federal aid and debt collection laws.

 

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-04-05/debt-collectors-with-a-financial-agenda