We've run across so many people who wish to settle what they feel are legitimate collection debts so they try and cooperate with collection firms by authorizing payment by phone.  This is a HUGE MISTAKE!

Here's a list of reasons why:

1) You don't REALLY know who it is you are giving your personal checking account or debit account number to.

2) Even if the [collection] company is legit, the banking information you just gave them is now in their hands and they can do whatever they want with it, including passing it along to another collection firm if they decide to sell your collection account to another collector.

3) If you find out later that the collection account was not legitimate or not really yours to begin with, it's almost impossible to get your money back, and you don't have much evidence to go into court with if you decide to sue.

In summary, NEVER pay-off a collection account by phone.  Requst a final pay-off invoice to settle the account along with proof of the original debt incurred.  Once you receive this, AND agree that the account is really yours and the amount is legitimate, then only send in a Cashier's Check or Money Order.  To protect your account security, never use peronal checks for these purposes!