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These are "bottom feeder" tactics. A legitimate CA with a legitimate debt will not resort to this. They will simply have you served and take you to court to secure a judgement. There were a few red flags that pop up in reading the OP's story. He said they called 15 times the first day. This is harrassment and is a violation of the FDCPA. The fact that they threatened to sue without following through is another violation. Some will even pretend to be "investigators", or calling from some sort of law enforcement. Law enforcement is not in the business of collecting debt.
My advice is to place nice at first and find out as much info as you can. Who they say they are, an address, etc. So if need be a cease and desist can be filed, or you can file a suit against them for their violations. Plus, it really makes them mad when you are calm and polite.
Yes, this is basically what I did. I got all of their information address etc. I have a huge file of everything on them incase it all comes up again. I have delt with REAL collection agencies before and they do not act the way this company does. This company harrasses until they find out you know how the system is supposed to work.
They almost intimated me into paying!! I had her send me her information and I faxed them validation documents. They tried to get me for 3K! Outrageous! The thing is that once they get the money from people they usually sell off the debt again. What kind of company cannot validate your debt and give you a break down of what you owe! The lady told me that she didnt have to provide me with that information that I just owed it to them and to pay now or else i would be served. So i called my local sheriffs office and they said that no one ever calls you or harresses you like that when they are going to serve papers. I filed a complaint with teh FTC on them and tthen had them removed from my credit reportss.