A few years back, a non profit I was involved in caused me to have an 86 point drop in credit score, over $47. I was paying for their website, they were supposed to take over billing, and they didn't. We told the hosting company that we'd pay the amount, if they'd send a letter to the credit bureaus, and it came off. But it took 90 days to rectify. I'd suggest Borzak do the same. Tell them you'll pay, but only if they send you a letter stating they'll have it removed from your credit bureau. Don't just pay it blindly, they won't do anything once they get their money.