They do this stuff every day and have an answer for everything. I just need to buy a couple of weeks so I can finish getting the money together.

For the most part, the debt is valid. While I haven't verified the exact dollar amount, I do acknowledge owing money to the orignal party. I want to get it resolved.

I was disappointed to find the account was turned over to a collection agency. The actual company I contracted had received a retainer from me. Every time they called and requested that I add to it, I payed them promptly via credit card over the phone. Once the job was complete, they turned over the account to the collection agency without a single phone call.

Does anyone know if I have a legal obligation to pay the collection agency? I'm sure they keep for themselves a significant chunk of the money. Because I agree that I did receive something of value that I need to finish paying for, could I pay that initial company directly?
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Of course, they are threatening to sue. I told them I would call them back today with my checking account information. It wasn't until I got off the phone and had a chance to think about it that I realized that would be a very bad idea. Because I originally payed by credit card neither one has any record of my checking account number.

I have a less than an hour to call to keep my word.