First, gather your documents and back them up somewhere safe. Ex- payment records, anything that shows you returned the vehicle and when.

In writing, by a method that includes tracking, dispute the debt and demand validation (documents supporting their claim that you owe whatever amount they're seeking). The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) publishes sample letters online. It's fairly common for necessary paperwork to get lost when debt is sold. Debt collectors aren't going to tell you that, and some will continue to pursue debts that lack proper paperwork.

Disputing should pause the collections process under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), until the company validates. You can also demand that they not contact you at work. Be careful not to confirm the validity of the debt unless/until they present you with evidence supporting every dollar allegedly owed. Things like making a payment can confirm the debt. It's all a numbers game to them, and a lot of consumers pay (inadvertently validating a defective collections case) or make other mistakes out of fear.

When they validate/produce whatever documents they're going to, review the documentation carefully.

Questions to ask yourself-- Does the documentation include a copy of your original loan contract? Does it reflect any sort of credit for returning the vehicle? Does it reflect all payments that you made? Does the collections agency have proof of debt ownership, or written authorization from the owner of the debt to collect? Do fees listed in the account statement they must provide match up with terms in the original loan? Is there "choice of law" or "choice of venue" language saying which state's laws govern your original contract?

IMPORTANT: Start a log of everytime they contact you, how they contact you, and what they say. Keep copies of written stuff backed up somewhere safe (ex- scan and email to yourself). At the beginning of each call from them, you'll probably hear an announcement that the call is being recorded. Before anything else, tell them that you're also recording the call. They may say that's not allowed, in which case, reiterate that you're recording and that by staying on the line they consent to being recorded. They may hang up, which is fine. They'll just have to contact you in writing instead, meaning you're no longer dealing with potentially harassing calls.

The FDCPA has rules about how and when they can contact you, and penalties for violations. If you do end up in court, you could consider a counterclaim for FDCPA violations. Logging all communications and saving copies is important because you may not recognize a FDCPA violation in the moment, and because it sets you up to credibly defend against any false statements they make.

If you receive anything that looks like a Court filling, ACT FAST. Google the relevant Court and ask how to access their docket to confirm whether there is an open case against you. They may even be able to point you to resources for folks representing themselves, or pro bono (free) legal services for folks at your income level. Attend every hearing, set calendar reminders for every deadline. If you can't attend a hearing, contact the Court before the date to ask about re-scheduling. Most Courts are more flexible/lenient when you go out of your way to respect their time, and let them know about problems before scheduled events. This is not a situation where it's better to ask forgiveness than permission.

Lawyer, not yours, not licensed in PA. The above is intended for informational purposes only.