Remember, if you agree with the collection agency to pay off the account, they will "re-age" the account, meaning that the seven-year reporting time of deliquency on your report starts with 2009, not with 2006 as it originally was. In talking with any collection agency, never admit that you owe any amount. Tell them, that "If I owe this amount, I want it put in writing that when I pay off the amount you will report to the bureaus that the account was paid in full, and paid satisfactorily." They are to mail you this statement. Never, never give them your checking account # in order that they may draw from your account; otherwise they might drain the account. If you pay by check, always use a money order check. Always keep notes as to who you spoke with and what was agreed (and the dates).
On the Kohl's account, you will see you score go up once you pay the balance down to $200.00.
