Make sure validate the debt first. Then contact the original creditor and see if they will take payment from u. If so pay I with the OC in exchange for them to pull it from collections and your report. If the OC will not accept payment u can settle it with the collections but make sure they agree to remove it from your report. If they state over the phone that they can not legally remove it (which is a lie) then send them a letter negotiating PFD. Wait for the response before paying. They want your money so they will generally agree. The main goal is getting it removed from your report.
Starting Score: TU: 675 EX: 721 EQ:661
I would send them a DV first, then if they verify, I'd send a PFD starting around 25% and see if they counter.
July 2013 score: EQ FICO 819, TU08 778, EX "806 lender pull 07/26/2013
Goal Score: All Scores 760+, Newest goal 800+
Take the myFICO Fitness Challenge
Current scores after adding $81K in CLs and 2 new cars since July 2013
EQ:809 TU 777 EX 790 Now it's just garden time!
June 2017 update: All scores over 820, just pure gardening now.