10 Golden Rules to Dealing with Collection Agencies. Collection agencies are the Devil . The Devil Lies. Never, ever, ever give a credit card, debit card or checking account number to a collection agency. Make all payments via certified mail with a money order or with certified funds. Never pay off or make payments on a debt UNLESS you have a written agreement that spells out EXACTLY what they will do in exchange for payment. Make sure this is written on their company letter head and signed by a supervisor. Asking to speak with the supervisor rarely works, he or she received their position by being the best liar. Never ever tell the collection agent that you are trying to clean up your credit for a specific reason, i.e. buy a car or qualify for a house. They will not budge or negotiate. Collection agencies hold all of the cards, losing your temper will not help you. However, they are all on commission, this is your primary weapon. Never accept the collection agent's first offer, or believe that their boss wont let them take less than than a certain amount. See rule number 2. Never give collection agencies permission to call you at work, do not call them from work, do not give them any information about your work. Collection agents are like vampires, they cannot enter your place of work unless they are invited. If the agent gets you mad, they win. This is business and egos and tempers are the biggest killers of business deals. Interested in adding your link to my site. click here