Debt in Collection

[Anonymous]

I have a question.  I have an outstanding debt from ATT that is set to come off my credit report in Jan 09.  I wasn't aware this debt was owed and this looks legit.  My question is should I pay this off in order to satisfy the debt with the collector or should I just let this expire from my credit report.  My concern that is I pay, which I am more than happy to do, it will hurt my credit score.  I am getting derogatory remarks even now from the collector and I just want to make sure I do the right thing so as to not make things worse.  Current score is in the 650's and the debt is for less than $500.  Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

cell phone debt has a federal SOL of 2 years - thus, can't be sued for it

if it's coming off in jan 09 there is little value to be gained in terms of FICO point by paying the debt.

whether to pay or not this debt seems rather a moral issue than a scoring issue.

[Anonymous]

Rather than just paying it off, negotiate for a "Pay for delete." A regular debt collector might not agree to it, but you can always request for a floor supervisor or write a letter to an executive officer.

[laz98]

personally, i would just leave it alone.

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone for the feedback,

[Anonymous]

What I did with a few that was beyond SOL and just short of being past CRTP was just wait for them to fall off and then PIF. It was my debt, so I paid it. But since they wouldn't PFD, I didn't pay until it was off my report. Just make sure you keep proof of the payment in case another CA pops up trying to collect.