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Rosenthal, Stein & Associates, a debt collection company in Marietta, and it's owner, Sharisse Williams, are facing a state investigation after consumers complained about aggressive and illegal debt collection practices.

"They threaten you. They use scare tactics," said Boris Townsend of Huntsville, AL.

He said collectors tried to get $900 out of him for a $400 pay day loan he had already paid back.

"She said you either give me the debit card number or you face going to jail," Townsend said.

Townsend isn't the only person complaining about Rosenthal, Stein & Associates.

A CBS Atlanta investigation uncovered a dozen federal lawsuits alleging RSA violated federal debt collection laws. According to the suits, RSA collectors deceived and harassed debtors, threatened them with arrest and revealed private information to third parties.

"In simple terms it freaks out my clients," said Attorney Bill Horn who represents Townsend and another man allegedly harassed by RSA.

Horn said RSA uses confusing, legal-sounding jargon to frighten debtors.

The West Virginia Attorney General filed a civil suit against Rosenthal, Stein & Associates in April. The Georgia Governor's Office of Consumer Protection launched an investigation into RSA last year but according to court records, the company has not cooperated.

When approached about the accusations, Williams said she does not condone aggressive tactics and fired two employees who used them. She said she teaches her staff to be "creative."

Williams, who claimed she's an ordained minister, showed CBS Atlanta how she starts each work day. Dressed in a white robe with a gold embroidered cross, Williams leads a circle of employees in prayer.

Horn accused Williams of using a company name that sounds like a law firm to scare people into paying.

Williams said there is no Rosenthal and no Stein.

"The name is definitely created," said Williams who denied it was meant to frighten people.

"I do my best. I can't listen to everything. I can't be everywhere," Williams said.

Townsend said he learned his rights and learned he doesn't actually have to pay RSA and intends to sue the company.

This number called and did not leave a message the place is called rothenstall and stein or something around that

Mr. Rogers, stated that I have problem with my social and date of birth. That is real important that I return the call. He called my office number and left that message with a co-worker.

very rude stated their were charges againt my husband and if we didnt call back they would move forward ..more rude language they need to stop harrassing innocent people

This person called me leaving message on my cell phone that I need to call them back giving them my social security number because there is a case pending against me. I would never give any information about myself over the phone don't know how they are or from what company they were vage agent Travine a company is trying to press charges againist me will be sending case to another county if they don't hear from me by January 31,2012