<prompt> Human: The skinny of it is, I am attempt to settle a debt with a collection agency who doesnt want to send me a settlement agreement before they receive my funds. My claim is: where is my protection that the debt will be considered paid in full and reported to the credit agencies as such if I send them the fund without a settlement agreement in place. Their claim is: since this case is already in the courts, if they send a settlement agreement, that pending agreement could be used as leverage to my advantage, showing their leniency in payment with a judgeDoes anyone have any advice they can provide as I look to protect myself in the debt settlement process?  <response>: Dont pay them anything until you have the full agreement in writing. If they are not willing to send written agreement then I would not expect them to honor it. 