Consumer debt consists of personal debts for goods purchased for personal or household consumption—as opposed to debts incurred for the operation of a business. Common examples of consumer debt include (1) credit card debt; (2) student loans; (3) home mortgage loans; (4) car or auto loans; (5) payday loans; (6) medical debts; and (7) unpaid utility and telephone bills.

In Georgia, consumer debt is regulated by both state statutes and federal laws. Credit card debt, student loans, home mortgages, auto loans, payday loans, medical debts, and unpaid utility and telephone bills are all considered consumer debts when they are for personal or household use. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that protects consumers from abusive debt collection practices. Georgia's Fair Business Practices Act also provides protections against unfair and deceptive practices by debt collectors. The state imposes regulations on payday loans, limiting the amount of interest and fees that lenders can charge. Georgia law also provides for a statute of limitations on debt collection, which limits the time frame within which a creditor can legally sue a consumer to collect a debt. For credit card debt and auto loans, the statute of limitations is typically four years, while for written contracts, such as home mortgage loans, it is six years. It's important for consumers to understand their rights and obligations regarding consumer debt and to seek advice from an attorney if they face debt collection issues or need legal assistance with managing their debts.