Bad Debt Buying 

Debts which someone holds and they are unable, or unwilling to collect are usually purchased at a fraction of the face value.  The buyer then attempts collection through all lawful means and approaches the debtor with a willingness to initiate a payment plan, settle for less than the face value, or both.  Although some debts purchased this way will be uncollectable, those which do collect usually yield anywhere from two to ten times the amount invested.