Reader Question: remove collection account without hurting credit score

My Girlfriend just got a letter from a collection agency, with an account number and the amount of $150 dollars that is owed. She never recieved any mail or phone calls regarding this amount from the original creditor, and does not even know the date or original purchase. She believes the claim could be real, because she did cancel a few credit card accounts in the past..but does not know who it could be. Is there a way to pay that amount off without it going to the collection agency or hurting her perfect credit score?

Need help asap, so any advice will be appreciated. Thank You.

Jay

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