The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security EPUB http://bit.ly/1GyopE1 Paying off an old collection or charge off will increase your credit score. This is a huge MYTH! Effects of Paying When you pay an older collection account or charge-off account, your credit score most likely will suffer. Think twice before paying off an old collection or charge off. By paying your debt, it renews the date of last activity. The collection company or creditors can now report the account for another 7 years. Everyone knows debt collections are bad for your credit score. Any past due accounts including debt collections have negative effects. These accounts report on your credit report for up to7 years. As accounts age, they have less and less impact on your credit score. Many consumers believe by paying off collections or charge-off accounts, that it will raise their credit scores. It certainly seems logical; however it is far from the truth. If you are concerned