Offering less to settle the debt in full is an excellent suggestion. As patio11 pointed out they probably bought this debt for very little. One thing to rememb

Offering less to settle the debt in full is an excellent suggestion. As patio11 pointed out they probably bought this debt for very little. One thing to remember, though: you're dealing with bottom feeders here so get any deal in writing before you send any money and never give them electronic access to your account or they'll clean you out. Also once you've got the written agreement make sure you save it forever. Debt collectors resell debts all the time and you're just one line in a big spreadsheet - very easy to accidentally end up in the wrong file. If someone else turns up trying to collect this debt you'll want to have proof that it's been settled.