If they call you just simply tell them to put it in writing and THEN HANG UP. What's so hard about that? They'll get the hint and stop calling after about the 3rd time you inform them to put it in writing. Don't talk to them any further. Just hang up.

Sbarton22 let me empower you to some of your rights. There is a law that has been set forth called the "fair debt collections practices act" FDCPA and it states that you have the right to request what is referred to as a formal debt validation. Many companies will not have the needed evidence to provide and will leave you alone. If you Google FDCPA you can actually read about all of your rights. But as far as credit is concerned if they do report your collection it can actually stay on your reports for up to 7 years from the date of last activity. Also if they provide you the information that you request (which I don't think they will) you have the upper hand in negotiating this debt. Most debts are sold off at 30% of the actual balance but where this is so old I bet they paid even less. So don't pay in full and tell them (if you do decide to pay it) that you want it removed from your reports when it is paid. Don't give them anything though until they send you a written agreement to your terms. Hope this helps