lawyerforconsumers

I suggest sending the doctor's office a dispute and validation letter with a cease and desist to prevent them from contacting you about this alleged debt. If a debt collector still contacts you after you've sent them a cease & desist, it is a violation of the FDCPA.

Send a letter using the words cease and desist - feel free to contact us for a follow-up if that doesn't work.

You have to send them written notice to cease calling you as the number has changed. If they continue to call you thereafter, it could be a violation of the FDCPA.

You can pay debt collectors but you should only pay once you've received written proof of the debt, a written offer of settlement, and request a paid-off letter from the debt collector.

Always request validation from a debt collector prior to making payment as well.

It depends on who had the student loan, whether the federal government had it or a private company. If it was a federal loan, you may be able to rehabilitate the loan to get on Income-Based Repayment (IBR).

If it's a private student loan, you'll be able to work out a payment arrangement with them.

Your situation does sound a bit sketchy though, you'll want to consult with a consumer law attorney in your area.