Thread: Best way to deal with deliquent account on credit report

Hi Folks, New to the forum. I have something on my credit report that I swear has been paid. Unfortunately I have switched my personal bank account a few times and have no way of accessing the canceled check as proof. Talked to the company and they claim to have no record of payment. I find this suspicious because a) I remember paying it when they called and took care of some issues I needed resolved before payment and b) they stopped calling 15 times a day after said payment. All was fine for several years until some collection agency called and demanded payment. I explained it had been paid, they disagreed and I stood my ground. Well, I lose because this is what is sitting on my credit report. The only thing on there showing not paid or seriously delinquent depending on the report I view, including the amount of $129. Now the question: what do I do? Do I suck it up and pay the full amount to the original company (again!)? Do I accept one of these settlement offers that this new collection agency is sending me? Attempt to dispute it even though I have no proof? Make a note of my credit report. I just want to figure out the cheapest and most efficient way to minimize the effects on my credit report/score. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.