Collection Report Error on My Account

[Anonymous]

I have been a member of myfico for about two years now and working to maintain my excellent credit (score around 800).  I received a score watch alert today from myFico.  It seems that Rodale? Has reported an outstanding balance of $42 on my account.  First, I've never heard of Rodale and secondly, I've never received a letter or notice of any outstanding debt.  I called the number associated with the notice and they confirmed that indeed they have never mailed me a validation letter.  This debt allegedly comes from April 2005.  I am of course going to dispute the debt and plan not to pay it since it is not my debt.

My credit score has dropped over 100 points due to this notice!!!!!  Since it's such a small amount do I just pay it? Or, will my dispute allow my credit score to go back up?  Help please...... Ideas?????   Does anyone have any experience with such a travesty?

[Boldilocks]

If you DV it, likely it will just be removed as they have already admitted they are in error.  I don;t see any point in paying it unless they have agreed for a PFD?  

It's ridiculous the repercussions that something so small can have on your credit score - I'm so sorry your scores tanked.  I am sure they will rebound once you get this off, though.