When facing a collector:
1.) Ask for a copy of the original Agreement with your signature ( when I ask, I never get a copy and they never call back). They may say, " WE have it, and you owe it, so pay us!". Don't trust, but verify. It's too bothersome (expensive) for them to search this stuff out from files years ago.
2.) Always tell them they are violating the law and you will write to the FTC, 3) Old collections are sold after 7 years and appear on your credit report - It's illegal. the debt is oof after 7 years and you can sell the collection, but the collector can't collect on it.
3) Capital One, BofA, etc will settle for 20% on the dollar that is the only amount to offer the collector. In fact Cap 1 will offer you a new credit card after 6 1/2 years if you pay just 25% of the old debt as , "Paid as Agreed."
Hope this helps you all. It saved me a bundle. I haven't paid a single one yet.