Some debt collectors are simple con artists

http://www.credit.com/blog/2010/09/beware-of-fake-payday-loan-debt-collection-scam/

I've seen examples of this in my bankruptcy law practice. Debt
collector has no valid debt to collect, but claims to have purchased a
debt owed by debtor and basically tries to threaten and shout at the
person long enough to convince them it is easier to pay the amount
than deal with the harassment. I've seen this tactic used mainly
against people who don't speak English well, and for some reason these
con artists seem to target women.