CBE collections debt, or phishing scam?

Question

Hello,
I've been a verizon customer since 2006.  I've kept the same number, but switched plans twice (from family to individual a couple years ago, and from individual to prepaid very recently).  About a month after switching to prepaid, I started getting calls (up to three times a day) from CBE collections group about an outstanding debt from verizon wireless of ~ $35.00.  I've always paid my bills online, using autopay.  When I checked my online account (which I've had for years), my balance was zero.  I've been to both of the local stores, and both told me as far as they could see, my account balance was zero and in good standing.  I've called verizon probably half a dozen times (with hold times up to an hour and multiple dropped calls), and talked to both customer care and financial services.  Everyone has been very confused, and told me my account is in good standing, and I owe verizon nothing, and they didn't know how to help me.  The most recent customer care rep actually told me with certainty that this sounded like a scam to her, and I should block the numbers and report it to the police.
When I've talked to CBE collections, they've told me they can't give me any kind of verification unless I give them my verizon account payment password (!!!).  However, they assure me that they are 'not a scam'.
Given my recent plan switch and the fact that CBE collections has a partnership with Verizon, I'm 90% convinced this is actually a legitimate bill that is being handled very badly.  I hope it's in fact a phishing scam-- if it's real, I am extremely angry about how it's been handled. I am very seriously considering changing providers.
Under the circumstances, I am hesitant to pay CBE without some kind of verification from Verizon.  How do I go about getting a written verification that this is a legitimate debt, when customer care has no information?  If it's not, how do I get a written verification that I can use to challenge any damage that CBE has done to my credit score?

Answer 1

CBE Group - Debt Collection Solutions
They are a legit company. But I would not give any account password or social security numbers or verify anything with them.
They could be zombie debt collectors or collectors that have no right to your Verizon account.
Go on line and get a free credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies for free once a year.
Annual Credit Report.com - Home Page
Good Luck