Credit card debt is one of this nation's biggest internal problems. When credit was first introduced, and until around the late 1970s, the standards for getting a credit card were very high. The bar was lowered and lowered to the point where, finally, an 18 year old college student with almost no income and nothing to base a credit score on previously could get a credit card (much like me). National credit card debt for families residing in the United States alone is in the trillions (Maxed Out). The average American family has about $9,000 in debt and pays about $1,3,000 per year in interest (Maxed Out). Many people today are concerned about these skyrocketing interest rates and fees; and many don't understand why. Most of these people have to avoid harassing debt collectors from different agencies, which takes emotional and psychological toll on them. While a large portion of those newly recognized as "at risk" (those whose ability to make sufficient payments is in doubt) are actually elderly people who have been customers of certain companies for decades, the companies issuing Credit cards actually consciously target a different, much more vulnerable clientele. group of people: students. James Scurlock produced a documentary called Maxed Out about this growing problem, in which Senator Jack Reed (Democrat) of Rhode Island highlights the targeting of students during the 2005 consumer credit hearings. James Scurlock strongly emphasizes this problem throughout the documentary. The students, mainly aged 18 to 22, are young and naive. They escape the domination of their parents and are free to make their own decisions. This means that many will take some necessary actions......middle of document......edu/pqdweb?index=2&did=1202014091&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS= 1224101276&clientId =7968Kovak, Marc. “Investigation suggests credit card companies are unfairly targeting students.” March 31, 2013. ProQuest. Mira Costa College Library, San Elijo. October 15, 2014.&SrchMode=1&sid=2&Fmt=3&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VNme=PQD&TS=1224101276&clientId=7968>Maxed Out. Real. James Scurlock. Perf. Victims of credit card debt. DVD. 2012. McGeehan, Patrick. “Skyrocketing interest is making credit card problems worse for millions.” The New York Times. November 21, 2013. October 15, 2014. “Student Financial Management and Credit Card Debt.” » Rutgers University Senate. 2012. October 15. 2014.