Third of Americans pursued by collection agencies

One in three Americans are being sought by collection agencies.

A study by the Urban Institute says more than 35 percent of Americans have debts and unpaid bills that have been reported to collection agencies.

These consumers fall behind on credit cards or hospital bills.

Their mortgages, auto loans or student debt pile up, unpaid.

Click here for tips on how to get out of debt.

Even past-due gym membership fees or cellphone contracts can end up with a collection agency, potentially hurting credit scores and job prospects.