In most instances, lenders sell debts to collection agencies for pennies on the dollar. The debt collection agencies then work very hard and try to recoup some of their investment. They do this by tracking you down and hounding you until you pay. They can search postal records, banks and even voter registration. And don't forget, the internet is also a potent search tool. However, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act offers you some protections, restricting how and when they can legally contact you.