Adding insult to injury. Salt to the wound.

A smart lawyer is all he needs. ANY debt that is reported to the big 3 Credit Reporting Agencies, HAS to be verified regardless of who it is. If he disputes the charge in writing to the correct U.S. government agency and they do not provide him with proof, he can sue the governemnet for violations of the FCRA and FDCPA . I know because I have sued idiots for exactly that same reason and won and I'm laughing all the way to the bank as well.

Its a toilet seat or a hammer - just look at the price!

Uh.. 1.5 million / 1000 soldiers == $1500

His rifle maybe? What would cost ~ 1500?

During a support training mission in the Philippines my toolbox was stolen. It was 24 inch x 10 inch x 8 inch in size with stuff that one could find at walmart or Ace Hardware for around $300 to $400 at the time (1998) (wrench sets, screw driver sets, various plier types, soldering equipment, etc).

The report I had to file logged the price of the toolbox and contents at $37,000.