The first lady that called said she was a Process Server and she needed to verify my address. When I said I had no idea anyone was suing me, she acted sympathetic and gave me the phone number of the attorney that was handling the suit against me. When I called that number, another lady told me that my $300 bad debt to Mervyns was not $2416.12 but offered to settle for $300 if I'd pay it immediately. I explained that I lost my job in 2008 and couldn't find another one and that I was forced to retire. After I hit 66, I began collecting Social Security, which they cannot garnish. When I told her I couldn't pay it and she got unbelievably nasty...threatened me up one side and down the other. She also said "it's YOUR debt and you HAVE to pay it" and "you have no integrity if you don't."
The attorney's name that was given to me was Edward Wilson but I've not been able to find an address for him. Even Intellisus couldn't locate them so I'm inclined to believe they were from a disreputable collection agency.
No legitimate process server calls ahead and gives advance notice of their arrival! They wouldn't be very successful at serving documents if they did. The other red flag is the idiot is asking for your address. If it was legitimate, they'd already have your correct address. You are certainly under no obligation to assist them with their skip-tracing efforts!
Also, check the statute of limitations for such debt in your state... the debt may be outside the SOL. If you speak to them again, do not admit anything. Demand that they give you their mailing address so you can send them both a certified cease-communication letter, and a letter demanding validation of the debt. If they refuse to give you their mailing address, it's another clue that they are trying to scam you.
Don't get me wrong - I am not advocating that people not pay their debts. I am advocating that people make sure they pay the correct and legal holder of the debt, and not get scammed.
I support all but one of your remarks. A cease-comm and a dispute letter are mutually exclusive. If you cut off all contact, legally it will not be possible for the collector to respond with validation.
This outfit already sounds like a bunch of thugs with no proof to offer, making cease-comm a pretty safe choice.