[verylittlemeat]

Most states now have laws against debt collection harassment and have caps on debt collection interest and fees.

There has to be proof in court that a debtor was served papers to get a judgment. There's a term called 'sewer service' where some shady collectors try to fake this service. If you get lucky your debt collector might try this on you, it's a great way to get debt wiped clean by a very angry judge.

[clairity]

unless the debtor has the cash ready to pay, most debtors never, ever respond (and shouldn't) to any actions to collect debt by a third-party collector, so that there is no chance at the even tiniest appearance of acknowledgement.

often, even if you have the intent to pay the debt, paying to any agency other than the originator of the debt is risky. debt collectors roll over debt en masse to keep them legally fresh and will not honor any promises that haven't been duly signed and served.

[verylittlemeat]

Contact from a third party collector? Sure, don't respond. But if you're being summoned by the court under threat of a default judgment then you should probably show up or don't be surprised about the outcome.

[clairity]

for sure, respond to the court.

you can often find low-cost, non-profit defense organizations to help if needed.