$342.00 for what? If it is an alleged debt, then the answer is no. If it is for any civil debt, again the answer is no. You need to provide more information for people to help. On the chance that this idiot is trying to collect an real or alleged debt from you, read the following:
Federal law (FDCPA) requires them to send you a letter within 5 days of their first contact that contains their name, physical address, the creditor’s name, and the amount of the alleged debt. It also must contains “mini-miranda” telling you that it is an attempt to collect a debt and that all information will be used for those purposes. The one other important thing that this letter must also have in it is that you have a right to dispute the debt within 30 days of the date of the letter and if you do so, all collection activity must be stopped until the debt is verified.
Read up on your rights here, get template letters to send and also make a complaint at this government site: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/
Also file a complaint with your State Attorney General's office.
Terry Anderson calls me every two weeks asking for $200 on a "supposed" $600 debt. He said the minimum amount that i could pay was $200. Usually collectors ask if you can pay ANYTHING at all on your debt, not a set amount. I kept telling him i was in the process of moving, i have to pay rent, utilities, etc by myself, plus ITS FREAKIN CHRISTMAS! I didn't have it. So he kept calling. I managed to save the $200 & actually called him to make the payment. Thats when he told me it went up & that i had to pay $250. I hung up on him & never answered the phone again. I dont trust it.