Collector won't accept payment

I have a $3900 credit card debt that was charged off in 1998. The Credit Card company sold the account to a collection agency and I sent a letter to the agency stating I would pay off the debt by making three monthly payments of $1300 if they agreed to change the status of the account from charged off to closed by creditor. They sent me my letter back revised with no mention of changing the status of my account and wanted me to sign it and make the payments. I then called them on three different occasions asking to speak to the person in charge of my account to see if I could negotiate this point however, they never called me back. I just learned my account has been sold to another collection agency and they are now asking for payment.
I would like to pay the account off however, I want the derog removed from my credit report. Should I make the same offer to the new company which is in Atlanta,GA (I'm in California) or should I just wait the five years and until if falls off my credit report? And do they have to accept an offer?

[JETX]

You need to get a few 'facts' correct first:
1) Derogatory comments stay on your credit file for seven years.
2) The 3rd party debt collector cannot change your credit rating. Only the original creditor can do that.
3) No, the debt collector does NOT have to accept an offer.
4) Just because the credit card company did a 'write off' does not mean that they don't 'own' the debt. A 'write off' is just an accounting term that shows the debt has been moved from the 'performing debt' account, to a 'dead debt account'. They still own the debt and sub out the collection on 'dead' accounts. If you pay the debt collector, they keep a percentage of the collection and send the remaining portion to the original creditor.

Now, my suggestion:
Contact the original creditor (credit card company) and tell them you have just been contacted about an 'unknown' outstanding debt that you would like to pay in full. See if they will negotiate on the credit history issue. If not, accept your responsibility and pay the debt. The negative to your history is accurate and your 'lesson learned'.

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Steve Halket
Judgment Recovery of Houston
JRS.Houston@excite.com
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This is my PERSONAL OPINION and is not legal advice! Consult your local attorney for your specific situation and laws!

Thank you for your insight however, the negative information has been on my credit report for two years which is why I stated on five years to remain on my credit report. I have contacted the credit card company in the past and they stated they sold the debt and therefore, it would be illegal for them to accept any payments from me.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face=" Arial, Verdana, Helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Halket:
You need to get a few 'facts' correct first:
1) Derogatory comments stay on your credit file for seven years.
2) The 3rd party debt collector cannot change your credit rating. Only the original creditor can do that.
3) No, the debt collector does NOT have to accept an offer.
4) Just because the credit card company did a 'write off' does not mean that they don't 'own' the debt. A 'write off' is just an accounting term that shows the debt has been moved from the 'performing debt' account, to a 'dead debt account'. They still own the debt and sub out the collection on 'dead' accounts. If you pay the debt collector, they keep a percentage of the collection and send the remaining portion to the original creditor.

Now, my suggestion:
Contact the original creditor (credit card company) and tell them you have just been contacted about an 'unknown' outstanding debt that you would like to pay in full. See if they will negotiate on the credit history issue. If not, accept your responsibility and pay the debt. The negative to your history is accurate and your 'lesson learned'.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>