<prompt> Human: Yesterday I received a letter from a debt collector informing me that an account in my name with Verizon has been turned over to them in the amount of 82. They are offering to settle with me for 49. I checked my credit report and on January 23, this collection was added to my report.I dont know what this is in reference to, as I havent had a Verizon account in five years since I moved from another residence. I have never received any letters, phone calls, emails, etc informing me that I had an outstanding bill. The credit report claims the debt is two years old, which is also confusing.Obviously, Im going to call the collection agency, but I wanted to get advice first on what I should say, as the FAQ strongly suggests that you be careful in what you say to a collector. Im going to send them a letter requesting information on the debt. Im obviously willing to pay the full amount if it will remove it from my credit history, but theres no guarantee that will happen. Im wondering how I should go about negotiating with the agency, and whether I should try any of this over the phone or strictly go with mail.Thanks in advance.  <response>: Theres been a recent uptick in the slimier collection agencies going straight for consumer reports prior to attempts to contact the debtor. This is done to scare or coerce people into paying money that they dont owe.Send a validation demand letter along with a very clear statement that any consumer reports issued prior to validation must be withdrawn until satisfactory validation has been received. 9 times out of 10, theyll withdraw the consumer report and never send validation. 