I too had been recieving these threatening phone calls, i have a debt for $400 to ACE cash express from 2007. Their first call was saying that there was a 'pending' fraud case against me, and it came from a local telephone number, but when i called i found out they were in GA, i knew they were using scare tactics.
They at first said that i owed $1200, then offered to settle with $600 with some extra fees. They tried to bully me into paying that $600 within one month.
I have a pre-paid debit card that i let them put on file for these payments, but never deposited the money, they called back threatening again.
I started doing some research, and the Arizona statute regarding payday loans clearly states that its a civil matter and criminal action is prohibited.
I do not deny that i have a debt to ACE, but im not going to settle it through these guys after reading all of this. I will pay ACE directly back for the $400 at some point, but im not giving these guys a red cent, because from what im reading here, i would be suprized if ACE even got any of it, if not a small portion.
Luckily, the card info i gave them is not tied into any accounts.
I would suggest that no one take them seriously, and and if they keep harassing you report them.