(Almost) wrong move

First of all, don't pay. Second of all, NEVER admit that you owe the debt.

The best way to deal with this is to tell them to stop contacting you and say you will deal with the original grantor of the debt.

They cannot call you n times a day, it's against the law (in my impression).

Refer to discussion forums at www.creditnet.com for more information. Look for "validation" "Estoppel Letter". Here are some links:

http://consumers.creditnet.com/straighttalk/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42188&highlight=%20%20validation

http://consumers.creditnet.com/straighttalk/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46250&highlight=medical+collection