Debt collection — Continental Credit Control (CA)

Talked to a third-party about your debt. I had no recollection of this debt with continental credit until I saw it on my credit report a few years ago. They never reached out to me, yet, they kept accruing interest on my account with them. I called them and asked to pay the original amount owed. They refused. I told them they never contacted me. After that, still never received contact and two years later I call again trying to rectify wanting to pay original balance since it was unbeknownst to me I even had this medical debt. The rude woman refused, threatened. Said she didnt have to send me notices. I feel it is sneaky way of trying to over inflate a debt so they get more money when they never contacted me in the beginning when they first got the debt. How is the good business or fair pr