If you “settle in full” with collections, do they report it?

[Waleed Abdulrab]

So I was sent a letter from a collection agency with an old Comcast account. They gave me an “Offered amount” to settle the debt and close it out. I asked nicely for a letter in writing that they will not report the debt with any credit bureaus. They said they will not be able to do that. But assured me that I will be sent a letter within 72 hours stating that the account has been settled and closed out. They did tell me however that if I make the payment, they won’t report it. Should I trust them? I mean, it’s not like the account is on my credit now, I’d just have to hope that once I pay it, they hold their end of the deal and not report it after I settle the debt.

What do you guys think? Am I not being trustworthy? Or do debt collectors typically lie about not reporting to get you to pay, and then report anyway? I’ve looked up cases where debt collectors will report as “settled in full”. This is still negative. I don’t want them reporting nada If I’m to pay anything at all.

What should I do?