Swedish debt collection agencies' total debt sharply increased

The total debt held by Swedish debt collection agencies reached approximately 25 billion kronor at the end of 2024, a 12% increase despite a decrease in new cases. The industry organization Svensk Inkasso reported that the influx of new debt collection claims is greater than the number of closed cases. This suggests that payment problems are deepening in society. The report also revealed that 44% of debt collection claims in 2024 were for amounts under 500 kronor. Fredrik Engström, chairman of Svensk Inkasso, stated that the increasing number of claims remaining open indicates worsening payment issues. This news comes amid other economic concerns, including a drop in the number of new cases handled by debt collection agencies. The government is also proposing stricter rules for immigrants to qualify for benefits.