. >> eventually, they couldn't take it anymore, and they called attorney kevin hernandez -- no relation>> it's a cost benefit that they go through, these collection companies go through. they say, "we'll violate the law this many times," and maybe one or two of these people, like the hernandezes, will seek an attorney. the rest won't, and they can recover off of those people who are scared and who want to pay the debt just to make the calls stop. >> we were told that they were in violation of federal law and that there was some recourse that could be taken to stop the harassing phone calls. >> when you first get a call from what is perceived to be a debt collector, do you think, "well, gee, is there a bill i didn't pay, and i forgot about it?" did that ever come across your mind? >> you know, you kind of think about it, but we know that we're very current on our bills, and we check our credit scores, and there was no credit problems. so, as soon as i realized it, i thought, "well, why am i being harassed for something that i don't owe?" >> there is intimidation and fear and coercion by