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 Ohio, consumer debt is regulated by both state statutes and federal law. Credit card debt, student loans, home mortgage loans, auto loans, payday loans, medical debts, and unpaid utility and telephone bills are all considered consumer debts when they are incurred for personal or household use. Ohio's regulations include the Ohio Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which mirrors the federal FDCPA and provides guidelines on how debt collectors can conduct themselves. The state also has laws that govern the interest rates and fees that can be charged on loans, such as the Short-Term Loan Act for payday loans, which caps interest rates to protect consumers from predatory lending practices. Additionally, Ohio has a statute of limitations on debt collection, which limits the time frame within which a creditor can legally pursue debt through the court system. For example, the statute of limitations for written contracts, including credit card debt and auto loans, is typically eight years, while oral contracts have a shorter period. It's important for consumers to be aware of their rights under these laws, and if they face debt collection or other issues related to consumer debt, they may want to consult with an attorney for guidance specific to their situation.