<prompt> Human: I have about 10 collections currently. The money is in my bank account to pay them off but Im very nervous about calling them since some of the debt is over a few years old. Do I try to negotiate a settlement?Do I ask for a deletionremoval of my debt from my credit report in exchange for paying off the debt?Assistant: This is only if the debt is owned by a collection agency and not the original creditor:First you should dispute the validity of each debt, asking for verification that it is yours. Some might not have the proper paperwork so they will just drop the debt, but most will respond.Second, offer to settle for a lower amount and demand the account be removed from your credit report, not marked as paid or marked as settled - but removed entirely. Once you have that in writing, you pay the amount you agree on. Do everything by MAIL, not phone. Send all letters Certified Mail, Return Receipt CMRR. It is a long process, but you want to try to get as much value as you can by paying them. Human: So it does me no good to call them individually and try to settle over the phone? It seems strange that I cant call and give them a payment.  <response>: Dont just pay them over the phone. I had a 80 account in collections. Called to get it removed and he ran my card for 600 and hung up. Luckily, my bank only approved the amount for 80 and the company actually cancelled the transaction in the end. It may take a little more work and due diligence, but follow the advice of documenting everything and getting everything in writing before making any moves on your end. 