Commercial Investigations Inc. Extortion like practices Van Nuys California

After receiving numerous high pressure phone calls from these rip off artists, I decided to give them a try. I faxed them a stack of invoices that I had been trying to collect. Apparently I inadvertently included the invoice of a previous client that had repaid his debt. I informed them of this as soon as I realized the error. I was informed by an employee of CII named "Blaize" that it didn't make any difference that this was an error and that I would have to pay THEM $244. I refused to pay it so they are continuing to harrass my old client over the non existent debt.

They have reported the debt to credit agencies and have stated it will remain that way until I pay them the $244. Now my ex client has treatened to sue me over this. I'm at the end of my rope with these rip off artists and just don't know how to proceed from here.

Do I have to pay them what is basically and extortion fee??? I have asked them not to call me anymore and that I don't want them to proceed on any other accounts. They have tried the high pressure "send us money to litigate" routine and I refuse to do so. They are relentless and harassing me and my ex client. Is there nothing anyone can do about this?

Debi
chester, Virginia
U.S.A.