Many people feel intimidated when dealing with debt collection agencies and often avoid them entirely or give in and pay them whatever they want to make them go away, but that is not the best way to deal with them.
It is time to bully them back, get yourself out of debt, and negotiate them down to get the best deal for yourself, not debt collectors.
When it comes to negotiating, only you can decide if you want to get on the one and make your stand.
There is no shame in turning the reins over to an agency as long as you come out on top with no debt at the end of the process.