These people assume, correctly, that few people know their rights and fewer still will take action. Suing them may be your only recourse. They will defy cease-and-desist orders, and the FTC and the Washington State Attorney General's office will do nothing. Familiarize yourself with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and find an attorney who will take your case on a contingency basis. These people are sitting ducks for lawsuits. Once they're nailed, they'll want to settle.