I've read about "pay to delete" letters and plan to send one out with an offer to pay the whole amount in exchange for removal. It's nearly 4 years old; a lot has happened from laid off, cut hours, and bigger bills with the same old paychecks and this is the first time I could safely afford to pay it without causing other things to become collections.

A few questions about these letters;
- Should I modify the letter so that it is not an exact copy with my info added?
- What needs to be included in the letter; should I send my SSN?
- Should I use my current address or a P.O. Box for some level of control? I moved years ago and they haven't been able to contact me since; mildly afraid to even deal with them given collections reputations.
- The account number on my credit report has X's over some of the numbers; will that be a problem when I list it using the X's for the numbers missing?
- Any other suggestions?

This, along with a couple other debts that have since been paid, killed my credit. The others killed my score again when they were paid. That's why I'm trying to avoid this one remaining on my report. I've paid for 4 years and have mildly rebuilt my score (close to 600 from the 400 after debt; was just under 700 before debt). Thanks

P.S.
This is a link to the letter I'm likely using;
Sample Pay for Delete Letter - Template to Remove Collection Account From Credit Report (http://credit.about.com/od/debtcollection/a/payfordelete.htm)

We'll I sent the letter for those who may be curious how this works out. I added my social. I figure they needed it to find the debt and since it's on my credit report already they obviouly have my social already too. None the less I'll post what comes of my "pay to delete" letter.

Side note; just before I sent this letter out I disputed it on my credit report (only on the one I have access to from my membership on freecreditreport.com). I wrote something like "will pay in full for removal". Just looked today and my score went up 17 points and it's gone. I'm still sending the letter to get a written agreement to be safe and be sure it comes off the other reports too. So far this feels promising but could they relist the debt despite taking it off now... say they don't give me a written agreement?

If you don't pay the debt, of course they can re-add it.

"I'm still sending the letter to get a written agreement to be safe and be sure it comes off the other reports too. So far this feels promising but could they relist the debt despite taking it off now... say they don't give me a written agreement?"

I wasn't referring to if I don't pay. I was trying to ask if I do pay will they read it after and just show it as paid collections as I don't have a written and signed agreement. It doesn't matter much now as I'm not moving forward without it. For now this thread will is simply me waiting for a response and I will pay accordingly.

Now, at the very least, this can act as an account of the progress I've had with this letter. If it goes well others have some info on how it all works. If it fails then they know it's a long shot and may not even be worth trying.