How Do Consumers Fare When Dealing with Debt Collectors? Evidence from Out-of-Court Settlements
利用法院和信用记录数据，研究发现庭外和解反而加剧消费者财务困境，尤其对金融素养较低的消费者影响更大，部分原因是消费者高估了法院判决的支付金额。
Abstract Do deals with debt collectors alleviate consumer financial distress? Using new data linking court and credit registry records, we examine civil collection lawsuits where consumers can settle out of court. Random assignment of judges with different styles generates exogenous variation in the likelihood of settlement negotiations. We find that settlements increase financial distress relative to going to court, likely by draining consumers of liquidity. The effect is stronger among less financially literate consumers. Survey evidence suggests that consumers generally overestimate how much they would pay through the court system. Perceived nonpecuniary benefits also motivate some consumers to settle.