"Fishy" is not the word I would use. Try "extortionist", "illegal", and "thug". A payday loan is *A LOAN*, not a "hot check", if I might guess the issue in dispute. A debt collector who essentially calls you a criminal is breaking state and federal law, and cannot prove whatever debt claim he makes. Hopefully you can find a valid domestic address to receive both dispute letters and a civil summons from you. Your opponent stands to lose several times the amount he'd hoped to swindle from you if he wants to explain his antics to a judge.

Official-type material on US federal collection law:
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fdcpajump.shtm
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/search ... bt%20Collection

they called my job to harass me and said there is a warrant for my arrest

Ok I too received a phone call from him earlier today. The collection is for my husband & a very small amount. I am beyond scared being that he knew my husbands birthday, social security. The collection is 4 years old. Weird thing is that I was told he was being charged for check fraud larceny & we have until 10 am to pay it. I was never given a case number nor have I received anything in the mail. Also the collector has placed a no contact order against my husband. I kept being put on hold because according to James he had to be the one to contact an attorney to see what could be done. I find this a little too fishy!! Especially to make a big deal for 500.00.

Was it a recording or no?  Did you transcribe the conversation ver batum?  Did they harass you?  Did they threaten you?

Or did they simply call and ask if you could point them in the direction of the person they were looking for?

You say they guys was nice...  More than one you spoke with?  Was everybody involved professional?

Also, it wasn't for me....it was the wrong number.  I called them back and told them.  The guys was nice and said he would remove my number off the list.  So...who knows.

I got a message on my home number.  Claming is..........some of the wording is wrong.  Because it's a computer voicemail messaging system.

This voicemail is intended for Leonard g(?) there my name is Joshua Brewer I'm an investigator with the bad check diversion(?) unit. We're working in collaboration with the State of Maryland at the criminal investigation pertaining to Leonard a cheater your number came up as a point of contactor reference in case number is in Alpha one three five charging here with three pending felonies. I need a call back when you were due here immediately. My office number is 8017381890.

I think it is a company that buys out old debts.  I believe he is only the company investigator I would not worry to much yes it will go on your credit but no this guy can't put you in jail for any reason.

I've recieved more than 20 calls since 7am.

Got a call on my cell phone asking for a Jody sombody - couldn't hear the last name. Told him he had the wrong number that no one by the name of Jody lived in this household.  I had had this phone only since December

He calls himself investigator James Baker.  I don't know exactly what he wants me for.  He also says he is the real mccoy.  If it is for an old collection then the first thing they should do is send the notice in the mail instead of scaring us  like this with a phone call.  Good Luck to the rest of you.