What most naturally follows?

How to make a settlement with a collection agency
Validate the debt collection agency claims.
You should send the debt collection agency a letter requesting that it send you proof you owe the debt.
Check the statute of limitations.
Each state has a statute of limitations on how long a creditor has to collect on a debt. For example, debts from 10 years ago may be considered zombie debts-or debts too old to collect on.