Pat
Welcome to the forums! Luckily you found this forum before making a decision and send them money. Chances are you credit is suffering from this, so you're going to need to make a complaint with the FTC and the AG office of FL. You might want to consider contact the original lender and tell them of the situation and see if you can make payment to them.
Ted Crosby owned the company Ellis Crosby & Associates. Him and his employees would call and threaten arrest if money wasn't sent. This is illegal and SEVERAL people made complaints. During this time he was notified to stop collection and cease contact with anyone while the investigation went on. He failed to do so, and therefore was being taken to court.
He quickly hid his money, and filed bankruptcy, however he still managed to open up at another office with a new name.
Take charge....
Regards-
Mike