<prompt> Human: First, I appreciate everyones help on this matter.I received a call from First Credit Services a moment ago in an attempt to collect a 500 debt owed to Golds Gym - a gym I had frequented in 2009 but cancelled due to the long distance commute to and from my college campus. Note: This Golds Gym in particular was independently-owned and as of 2011 no longer exists. I have spoken to someone from Golds Gym Corporate Office Headquarters, but she told me since I dont have any documentation to prove my cancellation Im left to pay the outstanding debt despite actually providing them with forms in 2009. Im not sure the best course of action. My credit isnt the best, but Im trying to rectify my previous mistakes. I appreciate any advise!  <response>: The debt has been sold to a collection agency. Golds probably cant do anything anymore.Heres what to do: Never talk to the collection agency on the phone ever again. If they call you, hang up. Verbal promises are only worth the paper theyre written on -- dont waste your time on the phone. Find the collection agencys mailing address, and send them a request for debt validation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act via USPS Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested. This is very important, and will cost you about 5. Google for sample letters. If they cant substantiate the debt within 30 days, they must legally remove the item from your credit report. If they dont, sue them in small claims court for violating the FDCPA, pass go, collect .If the collector is legally able to validate the debt, you have some options: Do nothing. After the debt becomes over 7 years old, it must disappear from your credit report by law under the FCRA. Note that the statute of limitations in your state might be different, so they could still legally sue you for the debt. Whether or not they choose to do so over 500 is anyones guess, but probably unlikely. I am not a lawyer. Pay partially or in full. This wont remove the item from your credit report, and might not be that beneficial. You need to negotiate in writing! if you want to do a partial payment. Negotiate in writing, via USPS Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested a pay for delete letter, in which you offer to pay some or all of the alleged debt amount in exchange for removal from your credit report. Google for sample letters. Never provide a collection agency with payment information of any kind without a written agreement in place governing payment terms. If you end up sending them any money whatsoever, do it via cashiers check or other form of payment that doesnt involve providing personal bank account information. Do NOT provide a personal check or debitcredit card information. 